RAIL^UP The podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.

About Enno Wiebe

Enno is the Director General of UNIFE. After completing his civil engineering studies at the University of Applied Sciences in Dresden, Germany, and at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, he began his professional career at Deutsche Bahn. From 2007 to 2011, he worked at the International Union of Railways (UIC) in Paris, France. Before being appointed Director General of UNIFE, Enno Wiebe served as the Technical Director of the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), where he oversaw the technical domain as well as other related policies and projects.

About UNIFE

UNIFE (Union of the European Railway Industries) is the association representing Europe’s rail supply industry, gathering over 120 leading companies and 12 national rail associations. Founded in 1992 and based in Brussels, its members account for 84% of the European and 46% of the global rail market. UNIFE promotes interoperability, coordinates EU-funded research, and works closely with EU institutions and standardisation organisations. It advocates for the industry’s interests at both European and international levels, aiming to ensure high-quality rail systems and strengthen the sector’s technological leadership. UNIFE also produces the biennial World Rail Market Study, leads the UNISIG committee for ERTMS/CCS standards, and supports the IRIS Certification platform.

www.unife.org

My Key Takeaways

•  UNIFE brings together over 130 rail suppliers, ranging from global industry leaders to innovative start-ups.

•  Close collaboration between rail suppliers and operators is essential to drive the major transformation ahead.

•  Europe’s rail sector requires substantial investments in infrastructure and ERTMS.

•  Innovation and exceptional product quality remain the industry’s defining strengths.

•  Flagship initiatives include the Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) and ERTMS.

•  Balancing long asset lifecycles with rapid technological advancements is a key challenge.

•  European rail technology stands as a global leader and major exporter.

•  AI enables predictive maintenance, yet safety remains the top priority.

•  The vision: cross-border high-speed rail as the backbone of sustainable mobility.

Sebastian Sperker

www.railup.club

[email protected]

About Eyal Trichter

Eyal is a seasoned tech executive with over 20 years of experience in R&D, project management, and business development. As CEO of Trilogical, he leads innovation in data-driven solutions for critical sectors including rail, defense, aviation, and logistics. Known for translating complex needs into practical, high-impact technologies, Eyal has driven the development of advanced monitoring and predictive maintenance platforms—especially in the rail industry. His hands-on leadership continues to position Trilogical as a trusted innovation partner. 

About Trilogical Technologies 

Trilogical is an Israeli company providing advanced telematics and remote monitoring solutions for the rail, defense, aviation, and logistics sectors. Specializing in real-time diagnostics and predictive maintenance, the company enables wireless data exchange between locomotives and wagons through its mesh-based “virtual digital coupling” system. Trilogical’s technologies are known for their reliability, low energy use, and strong cybersecurity, with deployments across Europe, Africa, Asia, the U.S., and Israel.

www.trilogical.com

Key Takeaways 

• Tech Transfer: Trilogical brings innovations from aviation and defense into the rail sector.
• vDAC Solution: Their Virtual Digital Automatic Coupling enables wireless, energy-efficient communication between wagons and locomotives using mesh technology.
• Resilient Design: Works even if some wagons are unequipped or offline; auto-configures in real time.
• Focus on Data: Main value lies in diagnostics, monitoring, and operational insights—not mechanical coupling.
• Proven Deployment: Solutions are already live in Africa, Israel, Europe, and the U.S.
• Cybersecurity Risk: Hacking wagon sensors could disrupt operations—cyber protection is essential and still underestimated.
• Sustainability Impact: Digital tools help shift freight from road to rail and reduce emissions.
• Innovation Bottlenecks: Regulation, limited budgets, and conservative mindsets slow progress—even in Europe.
• AI & Edge Computing: Central to predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and smart diagnostics.
• 2050 Vision: A green, autonomous, fully connected rail system, integrated into the wider mobility network.

Sebastian Sperker

www.railup.club

[email protected]

About Erez Abittan

Erez leads Palantir Technologies’ commercial transportation sector. He collaborates closely with Palantir’s clients across industries to transform business through the strategic use of data and AI in transportation operations. He holds an MS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and an MS in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the École Supérieure d’Électricité in France. Erez is based in New York City.

About Palantir 

Palantir is a leading AI software company specializing in data integration technology that empowers organizations across the military, Fortune 500 companies, transportation, energy, and healthcare sectors to seamlessly embed artificial intelligence into their operations.

www.palantir.com 

Key Takeaways 

• Palantir helps organizations make data-driven decisions by integrating and refining scattered, siloed data.
• Originally developed for defense, Palantir now supports many industries, including rail, with similar data challenges.
• The company’s platforms, Foundry and AIP, power operations in rail through advanced analytics and AI tools.
• Human-machine collaboration is central: AI supports, but doesn’t replace, human decision-making.
• In rail, the real value of AI lies in optimizing asset usage and improving operational efficiency—not just saving time.
• Real-world examples include dynamic scheduling for track maintenance and smart wheel change planning.
• Palantir enables cross-company collaboration with tools like Foundry Peering, which allows selective data sharing between partners.
• Innovation culture differs: the U.S. is faster and more experimental (“fail fast”), while Europe tends to be more cautious.
• Palantir’s culture emphasizes mission-driven thinking, autonomy, and flat hierarchies—people are expected to think deeply and act independently.
• Hiring focuses on how candidates think, not just what they've done, leading to a highly capable and adaptable workforce.

Sebastian Sperker

[email protected]

www.railup.club

About Mario Mikuschek

Mario is a Senior Manager at Accenture with over ten years of experience in strategy, consulting, and digital transformation. He has led numerous international projects in areas such as IoT, supply chain, data & analytics, and asset management. As co-founder and co-lead of Accenture’s Railway Center of Excellence, he plays a key role in shaping the future of rail through digital innovation. His background also includes managing aerospace projects and providing strategic guidance across the transport industry.

About Accenture 

Accenture is a leading global professional services company with around 801,000 employees in over 120 countries. The company helps businesses, governments, and organizations build their digital core, optimize operations, and drive sustainable growth. With strong expertise in cloud, data, and AI, and deep industry and consulting experience, Accenture delivers services across Strategy & Consulting, Technology, Operations, Industry X, and Song. Its mission is to create 360° value for clients, partners, employees, and society at large.

www.accenture.com

About Accenture Railway Center of Excellence 

Launched in 2023, Accenture’s Railway Center of Excellence (CoE) combines deep rail expertise with advanced digital capabilities. With over 150 experts supporting more than 20 clients across 20+ countries, the CoE focuses on making rail transport in Europe future-ready. Key focus areas include digital customer interfaces, automated rail operations, resource and planning optimization, and connectivity and standards (e.g., FRMCS, ETCS). The CoE’s mission is to shape a sustainable, efficient, and connected future of mobility.

My Key Takeaways 

• Slow ETCS Rollout in Europe – High retrofit costs and lack of coordination hinder progress.
• Diesel Dilemma – Retrofitting diesel engines for ETCS is crucial but often neglected.
• Fragmented Implementation – Different ETCS rollout speeds across countries block cross-border rail operations.
• Middle East as a Role Model – Saudi Arabia leads with ETCS Level 2, thanks to a greenfield approach.
• GCC Railway – Aims to connect Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, and Oman via a 2,177 km rail network.
• Saudi Mega Projects – Saudi Arabia is also advancing major projects like NEOM, where rail mobility plays a key role.
• ATO Emerging – Automation is growing, with successful pilots such as Hamburg’s digital S-Bahn.
• Shifting Roles – Automation is reshaping responsibilities between infrastructure managers and railway undertakings. These new roles will significantly impact the entire ecosystem.
• Use Existing Tech – Technologies like cloud, AI, and analytics should be applied effectively, not reinvented.
• Future Vision – Mario calls for faster digital rollout, a shift to green mobility, and the creation of a unified European rail system.

Sebastian Sperker

[email protected]

www.railup.club

About OTIV:
OTIV is a company specializing in AI-driven automation solutions for rail transport. Their technology focuses on improving the safety, efficiency, and reliability of rail operations through driver assistance, tele-operation and fully autonomous solutions. OTIV’s solutions help rail operators reduce human errors, optimize traffic flow, and enhance situational awareness using sensors, cameras, and AI-based processing. They are working with leading industrial, urban and mainline rail networks, supporting a more sustainable and intelligent future for rail mobility.

About Sam De Smet:
Sam is the co-founder of OTIV, a Ghent-based company specializing in autonomous technologies for rail transport. In his role, he leads the company’s strategy and commercial development. Before founding OTIV, Sam worked as a consultant at Roland Berger and the Boston Consulting Group, focusing on challenges in the transportation sector.

My Keytakeaways

• Innovation Requires Leadership: True change in the rail industry comes from a blend of innovative ideas and strong leadership.
• Step-by-Step Automation: Instead of jumping directly to full autonomy, progress is made in stages—from enhancing driver assistance systems to remote operations, and finally achieving complete automation.
• Tackling Real Challenges: Automation addresses major issues like driver shortages, high costs, and operational inflexibility.
• Tailored for Various Environments: Whether it's industrial sites, urban tram networks, or mainline operations, solutions must adapt to different contexts.
• Safety is Paramount: Achieving high safety standards (SIL) is critical, relying on extensive real-world testing and simulation to build a robust safety case.
• Clear Milestones: Near-term goals include launching advanced driver assistance and remote operations tests, with full automation targeted within the next decade.
• Customer-Centric Approach: Innovation is driven by listening to end users’ needs, not just the requirements of operators or manufacturers.
• Overcoming Testing Barriers: A key challenge is obtaining enough real-world safety data for regulatory approval, which requires breaking a “vicious circle.”
• AI as the Enabler: Artificial intelligence serves as the smart “brain” behind the systems, enhancing control and maintenance.
• Integrated Future Vision: The ultimate goal is a seamless, interconnected transport network that leverages both traditional rail and future technologies like Hyperloop.

Sebastian Sperker

[email protected]

www.railup.club

About Kyle Pattison

Kyle, at 63, continues to work 70+ hours a week, not because retirement hasn’t crossed his mind, but because he enjoys being part of a great team and making a meaningful impact. He believes that working with the right people brings joy even on challenging days. His passion for innovation and transforming the industry drives him forward. In his view, few people truly grasp how the world will evolve in the next 4 to 20+ years. The last time such a significant shift occurred, the 25th President was in office.

About Liès Ainouche

Liès brings global experience from France, Canada, and the U.S., spanning industries like Defense, Retail, Railways, and Biofuels. He specializes in supply chain optimization and training, having led projects such as the DCI Training Center and Canadian Pacific Carload Onboarding for 250+ customers. With expertise in fleet management, procurement, and contract negotiations, he has successfully trained teams worldwide and driven operational efficiency through process innovation and system implementation.

About Pattison Company

​Pattison Company, established in 1953, has a rich history of innovation across various industries, including agriculture, logistics, and mining. Among their diverse services, they offer specialized railcar storage solutions designed to optimize logistics and reduce costs. Their Empty Onsite Storage Solution (EOSS®) utilizes compact storage tracks and railcar stands that can be installed on virtually any flat ground, whether onsite or offsite, without the need for expensive switching equipment. This system allows for the storage of up to 100 railcars in spaces where conventional storage would typically be unfeasible. By implementing this innovative approach, clients can significantly minimize demurrage, detention fees, storage costs, and loading/unloading delays, thereby improving overall operational efficiency. Pattison's commitment to forward-thinking solutions is evident in their ability to anticipate industry needs and develop comprehensive systems that benefit the entire sector. ​

www.pattisoncompany.com

Keytake Aways

• Turning Crisis into Opportunity – "Never let a good crisis go to waste" – challenging times can spark innovation and drive transformative solutions.
• Innovation Through Problem-Solving – Solving internal business challenges can open doors to entirely new business opportunities.
• Simplicity Over Complexity – Not all innovations require AI or cutting-edge technology—sometimes, the most effective solutions are the simplest ones.
• A Simple & Elegant Approach – Instead of expensive traditional railcar storage, EOSS® leverages lightweight tracks and mobile loading technology to maximize unused land.
• Maximizing Cost Savings & Efficiency – EOSS® reduces demurrage fees, storage costs, and logistical delays, providing a flexible, cost-effective railcar management solution.
• Addressing U.S. Rail Challenges – Slow innovation adoption in the U.S. rail sector has created inefficiencies, pushing customers toward trucking and highlighting the need for modernization.
• Putting Customers First – Short-line railroads and smaller operators are often more innovative and customer-focused than large Class I railroads.
• Collaboration as a Catalyst – The fusion of Kyle Pattison’s deep industry expertise and Liès Ainouche’s strategic thinking led to a practical, high-impact solution.

Sebastian Sperker

[email protected]

www.railup.club

About this Episode:As I turn 40, I find it a perfect time to reflect on four decades of rail history and innovation. In this summary, I highlight the most significant milestones from each decade.

Key Takeaways:

1980s:

• Deregulation Boosts Freight – The Staggers Rail Act in the U.S. increased efficiency and market share.
• Rise of Containerization – Global intermodal transport expanded rapidly.
• Computerized Scheduling – Early digital tools improved rail operations.

1990s:

• GPS & Digital Tracking – Real-time freight monitoring revolutionized logistics.
• European Rail Liberalization – Privatization boosted efficiency and competition.
• Heavy-Haul Rail Advances – Australia set new records in bulk transport.

2000s:

• China’s Rail Boom – $500B investment built major freight corridors.
• Intermodal Growth – E-commerce logistics drove rail expansion.
• Sustainability Focus – Hybrid locomotives and energy-efficient systems emerged.

2010s:

• Smart Railways – IoT and AI enhanced efficiency and tracking.
• Autonomous Trains – Fully automated heavy-haul operations debuted.
• Global Connectivity – China’s BRI expanded transcontinental rail freight.

Sebastian Sperker

www.railup.club

[email protected]

About Ida Posner

Ida Posner leads strategic planning for RDC, a family-owned global railway investment and management company, rooted in bold, ambitious partnerships. For over three decades, RDC has invested in and operated railway systems across emerging markets in North America, Latin America, Europe and Africa. Ida serves as a board member of the Iowa Interstate Railroad, RDC-Deutschland, Eurorail, and RailPulse. Ida is also the Founder and Managing Partner of Hawthorne Food Ventures, a venture capital fund that invests in startups reducing food waste. She serves on the Board of ReFED, a U.S. nonprofit dedicated to ending food waste and as a Strategic Advisor to the Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh. Ida holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and a B.S.E. from Princeton University in Civil & Environmental Engineering.

About RDC

The Railroad Development Corporation (RDC), founded in 1987 and based in Pittsburgh, specializes in railway investment, management, and innovation worldwide, particularly in emerging markets. RDC has been involved in projects across North America, Latin America, Europe, and Africa, including the Iowa Interstate Railroad and ventures in Guatemala, Peru, and Estonia. Beyond traditional rail operations, RDC actively invests in software and innovative technologies to modernize railway systems and improve efficiency. In Germany, its subsidiary RDC Deutschland operates passenger and freight services, further diversifying its global portfolio and emphasizing sustainable, forward-thinking solutions in the rail sector.

www.rrdc.com

My Key Takeaways

Sebastian Sperker

[email protected]

www.railup.club

About Jutta dos Santos Miquelin

Jutta o is the Co-CEO of … and dos Santos, bringing over 25 years of experience in leading and advising global companies in areas such as digitalization, new business development, and cultural transformation. Her work emphasizes human-centered approaches to cultural change and sustainable transformation. In 2023, she was honored with the Bold Award alongside Deutsche Bahn for innovative achievements in the "Future of Work." As the author of The Glass Elevator and a pioneer of the values-based 5D Leadership model, she champions conscious leadership and collective intelligence to unlock human potential and drive digital, transformative solutions for sustainable corporate growth.

www.anddossantos.com

Key Take Aways

Sebastian Sperker

[email protected]

www.railup.club

About Digitale Schiene Deutschland

Digitale Schiene Deutschland (DSD) is a sector initiative aimed at transforming the German rail network through digitalization. DSD’s primary goals are to increase rail capacity, enhance service quality, and improve efficiency across the network without extensive physical infrastructure expansion. Key components include the rollout of the European Train Control System (ETCS) for digital signalling, automated train operations, a vehicle-centric safety logic for driving at optimal headways, and highly automated, AI-driven planning and real-time traffic management. By developing and integrating advanced technologies, Digitale Schiene Deutschland aims to create a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable rail system that supports Germany's environmental and mobility goals. The deployment of these systems is expected over the next decade.

https://digitale-schiene-deutschland.de/de

About Michael Küpper

Michael joined Digitale Schiene Deutschland (DSD) at Deutsche Bahn in 2017. As Product Manager, he has built and led the scaled-agile team-of-teams that implements DSD’s Capacity & Traffic Management System (CTMS). In parallel, he has led the implementation of agile and self-organized principles across several innovation departments at DSD. Since 2023, Michael has served as Stakeholder Manager to drive the strategic vision of CTMS and its enabling technological foundations within the railway sector at large. Michael holds a PhD in physics from The Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel and has over 10 years of experience as strategy and management consultant. Throughout his career, he has introduced Artificial Intelligence (AI) in environments, where AI had not been previously applied, from particle physics analysis to housing price prediction to rail traffic management.

Key Takeaways

Sebastian Sperker

www.railup.club

[email protected]