Long Distance Transport 2024

We are excited to run the Long Distance Transport program again in 2024 together with our strong partner from the department DB Long Distance. This 100 day signature program gives startups the chance to customize and live-test their solutions to real challenges that DB is facing. What is in it for you?​

  • Access to construction company & DB experts and data
  • Access to a network of selected coaching and mentoring experts
  • EUR 25,000, no equity taken
  • Coworking Space at our loving office site at Berlin Jannowitzbrücke
  • You will be supported by a dedicated DB mindbox startup manager and will have 24/7 access to our coworking space

 

This is a great opportunity to lay the foundation for joint projects and successful long-term collaboration with Deutsche Bahn Group, Europe’s largest mobility and infrastructure provider.​

If you have any question regarding our program, join our weekly open Q&A session on mondays from 11.00 – 11.30 pm CEST here. We are happy to answer all of your questions.

Overview

01


Current topics

DB Long Distance Transport ensures mobility for many travelers throughout Germany and neighboring countries. To make train journeys even more comfortable, we are looking for startups that want to tackle the issue of mobile train cleaning with us.

Furthermore, to make train journeys even more sustainable, we are seeking use cases in the areas of total lifecycle assessment and sustainable materials for trains.

We look forward to your solutions!

© Deutsche Bahn AG / Volker Emersleben
Demand-oriented mobile cleaning of trains

Cleanliness in trains is a major driver of customer satisfaction. To ensure the cleaning of heavy dirt on the trains while on the move, there is mobile cleaning staff. However, the current allocation is inflexible and disregards the actual cleanliness condition of the trains. The staff either follow pre-planned routes or shuttle back and forth between two stations. How can we ensure a demand-oriented cleaning and optimization of the trains? Share your approaches!

© Deutsche Bahn AG / Volker Emersleben
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

DB aims to be a circular economy company by 2040. To achieve this, it is important to gain transparency regarding sustainability and potential levers in the areas of vehicles and components. Are you interested in testing your solutions in the field of Total Lifecycle Assessment on a train component such as tables or seats? Then we look forward to receiving your application!

© Deutsche Bahn AG / Oliver Lang
Sustainable alternatives to wood, textile, plastic and other materials

We want to make our trains, DB lounges and Travel center more sustainable by using alternative materials. That's why we are looking for sustainable alternatives for the most commonly used materials: textile for upholstery and flooring, wood for furniture, and plastic for various components such as wall coverings, synthetic leather, or light panels. Which component can you make more sustainable?

Timeline

04. Aug. 2024

Application deadline

Last day to apply for the program (eod).

28. Aug. 2024

Announcement of candidates

Invitation of selected teams.

17. Sep. 2024

Selection day

Pitch your solution live on stage to a expert jury and audience in September in Frankfurt am Main.

14. Oct. 2024

Start of program

Start of the 100-day Proof-of-Concept (PoC) to develop and test a prototype in cooperation with DB.

End of program

End of 100-day Proof-of-Concept (PoC) and presentation of results is expected to take place in February 2025 (tbc).