48 hours to come up with a brilliant idea
At the international InnoTrans hackathon ‘AI on Track’, six teams spent two days competing to find the best solution to real-world problems encountered in everyday rail operations.
The winning teams of the InnoTrans “AI on Track” hackathon were honoured for their concepts for AI applications in the rail sector. Photo: Messe Berlin
If that isn’t a win-win: three major rail manufacturers – Alstom, Wabtec and Siemens Mobility – sponsored the InnoTrans Hackathon 2026 and, in return, each set a challenge relating to a problem for which they were seeking new ideas.
For each challenge, two teams of developers from around the world – who had not met before – were put together. They had 48 hours to develop and programme an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) and pitch it on the final day of InnoTrans.
“The launch of ‘AI on Track’ has shown the potential that arises when we bring technology experts and the rail industry together directly,” says Dr Kerstin Schulz, Director of InnoTrans. “Within just a few days, the teams developed new approaches to solving specific challenges.” Perhaps the results will already be on display at the next InnoTrans in two years’ time.
Designs for AI-powered in-car climate control
For Team 1 of the Wabtec Challenge, this could well become a reality. The task was to develop an AI-powered control system for the on-board air conditioning that would provide passengers with an optimal cabin climate whilst also saving energy.
Both teams presented designs that utilised weather data and passenger forecasts to maintain the cabin temperature at a comfortable level for passengers at all times. The jury praised both teams for doing a great job. Ultimately, the deciding factor was that the “ATMOS” design came out on top in the “feasibility” category: “We can really build on that.”
In fact, the five-member jury – comprising experts from the fields of AI and mobility – did not find any of its decisions easy. Each was a close contest.
For Alstom, the teams were tasked with developing an AI assistant to help optimise the operation of Berlin’s Metro network. By analysing data on sudden disruptions, damage or even major events, the AI was to provide concrete recommendations for action to the operators. The “NextMove” design was awarded the prize.
Smart ideas for booking tickets
Siemens, for its part, was looking to redesign its booking portal with the aim of guiding customers intelligently and quickly through the booking process when planning journeys, booking tickets and claiming refunds. The winning concept was “Trackline”.
The six teams presented their results in five-minute pitches. The jury assessed them against six criteria, including innovation, feasibility and the practical benefits of the solutions.
During the development phase, the teams were supported by 14 mentors from the fields of data science, data engineering, governance and cyber security. The winning teams each took home 5,000 euros.
Participants in the InnoTrans “AI on Track” hackathon presented their AI-powered solutions for rail industry challenges at the AI Mobility Corner. Photo: Messe Berlin