Shows
RAIL^UPThe podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.#28 Silent City: How Serendipity and AI Transformed the City of BernAbout Bernhard FreiBernhard is a strategy and innovation expert with 25+ years of leadership experience in mobility, industry, and technology. As Director of Corporate Development at PROSE AG, he shapes the strategic transformation of a leading European mobility engineering company. Previously, he held senior roles at Zoppas Industries, ALPHA ET, and Kraft Foods. He is a SWISSRAIL board member, university lecturer, and holds a PhD in Business Administration, an Executive MBA, and engineering degrees.About Felix SaurFelix is a Senior Consultant at PROSE AG in Bern. For more than 15...
2025-11-3046 min
RAIL^UPThe podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.#27 When the Orient Express Meets California: The Dreamstar Lines StoryAbout Dominic Joshua Joshua co-founded Dreamstar Lines to tackle the hassle of U.S. medium-distance travel, inspired by the efficiency of European and Asian trains. He leads the company’s vision and strategy with 15 years’ experience across startups, finance, transportation, and logistics. A U.S. Air Force Reserves veteran specializing in transportation/logistics, he holds an Economics degree from Columbia University. Joshua began in corporate strategy and M&A before moving into startup growth roles at Darktrace and CloudKitchens.About Dreamstar LinesDreamstar Lines is a U.S. startup building premium overnight passenger train...
2025-11-0228 min
RAIL^UPThe podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.#26 Autonomous Update: The Big 4 PioneersEpisode Highlights – Autonomous Freight Rail 2025 🚆In this episode, we dive into the latest progress from four global frontrunners in autonomous rail freight: Parallel Systems, Nevomo, Intramotev, and OTIV. From pilots to first commercial deployments, these startups are reshaping the future of freight transport.Parallel Systems (US & Australia)FRA-approved pilot in Georgia (160 miles, Phase 2 ongoing). Operations are performed with line of sight and remote safety observersMainline trial with ARC Infrastructure in Western Australia.3rd-gen vehicle finalizing development— better performance, simpler assembly, and lower costsClosed a $38M Series B (January 2025) to scale production.
2025-10-0543 min
RAIL^UPThe podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.#25 Keeping Europe’s Competitive Edge: UNIFE’s role in the Future of RailAbout Enno WiebeEnno 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.
2025-08-0342 min
RAIL^UPThe podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.#24 Next-Gen Rail Tech: Virtual Digital Coupling by TrilogicalAbout Eyal TrichterEyal 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...
2025-07-0648 min
RAIL^UPThe podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.#23 Mission Focused AI – Inside Palantir’s Data Artist Colony for RailAbout Erez AbittanErez 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, F...
2025-06-0150 min
RAIL^UPThe podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.#22 ETCS Innovation Beyond Europe: Accenture’s Insights from Berlin to RiyadhAbout Mario MikuschekMario 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...
2025-05-0440 min
RAIL^UPThe podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.#21 The Evolution of Driving: OTIV’s Path from Remote to AutonomousAbout 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...
2025-04-0644 min
RAIL^UPThe podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.#20 Simplicity Meets Innovation: Reinventing Railcar StorageAbout Kyle PattisonKyle, 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 A...
2025-03-0244 min
RAIL^UPThe podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.#19 40 Years: A Brief History of Rail InnovationAbout 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 se...
2025-02-0217 min
RAIL^UPThe podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.#18 The Rail Investment Blueprint: Insights from a Family BusinessAbout 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...
2025-01-0650 min
RAIL^UPThe podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.#17 Redefining Train Cockpits: Human-Centric Innovation in RailAbout 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 so...
2024-12-0148 min
RAIL^UPThe podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.#16 AI: The Next Big Use Case for RailAbout 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 su...
2024-11-0344 min
RAIL^UPThe podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.#15 IRSC: Game Changing Technologies Increasing SafetyAbout IRSC
The International Rail Safety Council (IRSC) is a global forum for railway safety experts, regulators, and industry leaders. It focuses on sharing knowledge, best practices, and innovations to improve rail safety worldwide, primarily through its annual conference. The IRSC promotes international collaboration to reduce accidents and enhance rail safety systems.
www.inteernational-railway-safety-council.com
About the Panelists
Head of Safety & Operations - European Union Agency for Railways (ERA), Bart Accou
ÖBB Program Manager of the Digital Automatic Coupling, Constanze Bannholzer
CCO of Nevomo, Stefan Kirch
Vice President of Transit Engineering at W...
2024-10-0649 min
RAIL^UPThe podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.#14 Wagon Wisdom: Insides into the industryAbout Jörg Nowaczyk
Jörg has extensive experience in logistics and transportation, having begun his career in the industry in 1989. He initially worked in road logistics before transitioning to the railway sector. Over more than a decade at TX Logistik, he played a key role in shaping today’s intermodal network. Subsequently, he joined Rail Cargo Group, where he focused on developing the rail business in Germany. In 2019, Jörg became Chief Commercial Officer at GATX Rail Europe. In addition to his professional roles, he is actively involved in several industry organizations, such as Allianz Pro Schie...
2024-09-0146 min
RAIL^UPThe podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.#13 Yes We Can: Innovation, Challenges, and the Path ForwardAbout Babette
Babette is a seasoned railway professional and, as an engineer with 15 years in the industry, she is widely recognized for her broad expertise. Her career journey has taken her through diverse roles at a locomotive manufacturer, a leasing company, and a full-service maintenance provider, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the industry. Since 2017, Babette has focused on developing sustainable and successful digital strategies by reimagining processes and supporting railway companies in their digital transformation journey. In complex transformation projects, she seamlessly combines modern technologies, process optimization, and change management across all levels of an organization...
2024-08-0443 min
RAIL^UPThe podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.#12 Rail Disruptions Unplugged: Tackling Europe's TCR CrisisAbout Dual Inventive
Dual Inventive develops and produces technology products aimed at enhancing the safety and efficiency of railway infrastructure work, maximizing rail capacity, and improving the reliability of railway systems. The company’s headquarters is based in the Netherlands. Dual Inventive transforms rail safety through safe and efficient remote-controlled track access, ensuring a smooth transition between train operations and maintenance activities. Their innovative products deliver high system safety integrity (SIL 4), and the remote-control functionality achieves significant time and cost efficiencies. This approach provides enhanced protection for track workers, increases engineering time, and boosts train path capacity....
2024-06-3049 min
RAIL^UPThe podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.#11 Hyperloop TT: The True Story Behind the InnovationAbout Andrés de León
Andrés de León, CEO of HyperloopTT since 2019, has over 30 years of international experience as a senior executive. He specializes in manufacturing, finance management, and business negotiation, having worked in Spain, Belgium, Portugal, France, Italy, Mexico, Chile, and the United States. Andrés holds a law degree and an MBA from IE Business School.His career includes roles such as Deputy Financial Director at Terratest Construction and General Manager of a multinational industrial group in alternative energy. At HyperloopTT, he has secured key global agreements and investments, transitioning the company to an indus...
2024-06-0253 min
RAIL^UPThe podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.#10 Rail Reimagined: Exploring Intramotev's Revolution in Autonomous RetrofitsAbout Alex Peiffer
Alex Peiffer is co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Intramotev, a St. Louis-based manufacturer of self-propelled battery-electric railcars. He is an adjunct professor in the Entrepreneurship department at St. Louis University Chaifetz School of Business and holds an MBA from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business. Previously, he held brand management and marketing roles with large global companies including Nestle and Unilever, and served six years in the US Air Force in air cargo logistics.
About Timothy Luchini
Tim Luchini, PhD, is the CEO and co-founder of In...
2024-05-0547 min
RAIL^UPThe podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.#9 Next Gen Leader - Uniting Technology, Teamwork, and TraditionAbout Larissa Zeichhardt
Larissa worked as the CEO of the family-owned rail construction company LAT Group. She had previously been employed by a large international corporation in Switzerland and other countries. Due to a private incident, she took over the company from her father, along with her sister. She quickly learned to navigate the construction business and became passionate about the rail industry. Larissa began implementing innovative products through collaboration with universities. As an active member of women in mobility, she aims to encourage and inspire more women to join the railway sector. She holds an academic...
2024-04-0138 min
RAIL^UPThe podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.#8 The Fifth Mode of Transport: The Underground RevolutionAbout Dominik Cajochen
Dominik is a seasoned professional with a proven track record in global operations and supply chain management. Currently serving in the executive board and as Head of Market + Operations at Cargo sous terrain, he has extensive leadership experience, including roles at SABMiller, Sony Music and Procter & Gamble. He holds a Master's degree in International Studies from the University of Geneva and has furthered his executive education at Ashridge Business School. Dominik lives with his wife and his two children in Zurich, Switzerland.
About Cargo Sous Terrain
Cargo...
2024-03-0342 min
RAIL^UPThe podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.#7 Decoding The Power Of Communities: The RAILTALKS SagaAbout Fabian Stöffler
Fabian is a passionate innovator and acknowledged thought leader for rail in Europe. Before co-founding Menlo79 in 2019, he held senior-level positions at Deutsche Bahn in Germany and played a crucial role in several significant projects in rail and logistics in Europe and Asia. From 2016 to 2019, he was in charge of the Asset Digitization department at DB Cargo in Europe, where he established a digital transformation lab and built a robust team of more than 100 people. Fabian has studied mathematics and economics and is currently based in Berlin.
About R...
2024-02-0145 min
RAIL^UPThe podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.#6 Keynote: Connect or Die - Evolution of Connectivity ^ The ShowAbout Dietmar Dahmen
Dietmar, a futurist speaker with 20+ years in global marketing and advertising across cities like New York, Hamburg, Munich, Los Angeles, and Vienna, transitioned from a strategic planner to a respected creative. He held significant roles including Creative Director at DDB, Managing Director, and Chief Creative Officer at BBDO, as well as Executive Creative Director at Ogilvy.
Today, Dietmar is a renowned global speaker and consultant specializing in digital transformation and marketing innovation. With an advertising background, he provides dynamic insights, empowering companies to navigate the evolving digital landscape. He co-founded startups, advises...
2024-01-0729 min
RAIL^UPThe podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.#6 Keynote: Connect or Die - Evolution of Connectivity ^ The Podcast
About Dietmar Dahmen
Dietmar, a futurist speaker with 20+ years in global marketing and advertising across cities like New York, Hamburg, Munich, Los Angeles, and Vienna, transitioned from a strategic planner to a respected creative. He held significant roles including Creative Director at DDB, Managing Director, and Chief Creative Officer at BBDO, as well as Executive Creative Director at Ogilvy.
Today, Dietmar is a renowned global speaker and consultant specializing in digital transformation and marketing innovation. With an advertising background, he provides dynamic insights, empowering companies to navigate the evolving digital landscape. He co-founded...
2024-01-0729 min
RAIL^UPThe podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.TEASER #6 Keynote: Connect or die - Evolution of Connectivity
🎙️ TEASER - Exciting News! RAIL^UP is reaching the NEXT LEVEL! 🎥Prepare for a groundbreaking episode of the RAIL^UP podcast! 🚀 In our upcoming Episode #6, we're thrilled to welcome the incredible Dietmar Dahmen as our special guest featuring a keynote. And that's not all – for the first time ever, we're transforming this into a VIDEO SHOW and PODCAST! 📹🎧📅 Mark your calendars for the release on January 8, 2024, as we dive deep into the theme of "Connectivity." This is an episode you won't want to miss! Stay tuned for insightful discussions and captivating visuals. 🌐✨
2023-12-2900 min
RAIL^UPThe podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.#5 The missing link: How Vegatrans R2L solution connecting 4 million trailers to railAbout Franz Blum
Franz, the founder of the logistics company Vegatrans, commenced his journey during his law studies in Salzburg and Vienna by delivering commercial vehicles from Europe to Turkey and the Middle East. What initially began as a student job soon transformed into an enduring passion for logistics. At the end of his studies, he, together with four partners, established Vegatrans. From the outset, Franz emphasized eco-friendly transportation and initiated the integration of rail services into the supply chain. Concurrently, alongside his business pursuits, he also established the largest public observatory in Europe, with the vision...
2023-12-0343 min
RAIL^UPThe podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.#4 Green is the New Black: The Uncharted Impact of CO2 RegulationsAbout Serge Schamschula
Serge serves as the head of the ecosystem at the transport management platform Transporeon. In this role, he is responsible for fostering partnerships, building networks, facilitating coordination and collaboration with research & academia. In addition to his position at Transporeon, he also holds the vice-chair position at ALICE, the Alliance for Logistics Innovations through collaboration. Furthermore, he serves as board director for the European Freight Logistics Leaders Forum. Prior to this role, he spent nearly two decades in various positions at the freight forwarding company Transped Europe. He studied Business Administration, Marketing, and Sales at...
2023-11-0540 min
RAIL^UPThe podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.#3 Back to the future: NEVOMO´s way to rethink railAbout Stefan Kirch
Stefan is the Chief Business Development Officer and (late) Co-Founder of Nevomo, a rail tech company located in Warsaw. He joined Nevomo in late 2021 after working for more than a decade for Deutsche Bahn in various functions, with a strong focus on infrastructure. He led the sales department of DB-Netze and was an intrapreneur, founding FlexRail within Deutsche Bahn. He studied European Law and Business Administration at Julius Maximilian University in Würzburg Germany.
About Nevomo
Nevomo is a European deep-tech company that develops the next generation of h...
2023-10-0147 min
RAIL^UPThe podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.#2 The Tale of Parallel Systems - Exploring the impacts of autonomous railcars on US Rail Freight with Matt SouleAbout Matt Soule
Matt Soule serves as the CEO and Co-founder of Parallel Systems, a railtech startup located in Los Angeles. In 2020, he co-founded the company with former colleagues. Prior to this venture, Matt spent 13 years at SpaceX, where he held various roles, including Head of Avionics and Head of Power Electronics. Before joining SpaceX, he gained valuable experience working at Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin. Matt holds a Master's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California.
About Parallel Systems
Parallel Systems is a pioneering railtech startup...
2023-09-0339 min
RAIL^UPThe podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.#1 Rail mobility: a future picture for Europe with Nathan ZielkeAbout Nathan
Nathan has a vast experience in the European mobility sector as he worked in the aviation and railway industry at C-Level.
In the last decade, he founded various start-ups focusing on digital services and platforms.
Today he is a consultant, entrepreneur and investor; therefore, he is my first guest in RAIL^UP.
My takeaways
Rail transportation excels as a long-distance transport solution (its USP), while road transportation is better suited for shorter distances
The most effective integration strategy involves using (electrified) trucks for first and...
2023-07-3136 min
RAIL^UPThe podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.RAIL^UP TrailerI proudly present the launch of RAIL^UP, my podcast with innovators and leaders of our railway world.
Because people's minds can change the mobility world, I talk with inspiring international talents about how to shape the ecosystem. 🚀
Are you ready to embark on a journey of discovery, inspiration, and fresh ideas? Listen to the trailer today and be part of the RAIL^UP club from the very beginning. Welcome to RAIL^UP; enjoy listening.
Sebastian Sperker
www.railup.club
2023-07-2900 min