/ Collaborative Laboratory for the Future Railway System

Science and technology for the railway

A non-profit, multidisciplinary research association that brings together companies, universities and R&D centres to make the railway system more sustainable, digital and safe.

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In developmentFreight Laboratory Train

Founded: October 2022deed of incorporation
Associates: 17industry, academia and associations
Projects: 3currently under development
Status: CoLABrecognised by FCT and ANI

Collaboration between organisations aims to energise the sector through innovation and connectivity between

Science, technology and rail

RAIL CoLAB promotes and carries out research and development aimed at improving the railway system. It provides scientific support and technological innovation to the sector’s business, academic and economic players, and brings together national and international organisations.

Engagewith organisations across the sector
Promotesynergies through collaboration
Connectindustry, academia and R&D centres

Research on track, on board and on platform

Projects RAIL CoLAB is currently developing, from the laboratory on rails to digital tools.

Side view of the MEDWAY wagon that will become the laboratory train

Featured

Freight Laboratory Train · with MEDWAY

Freight Laboratory Train

A freight wagon fitted with state-of-the-art sensors and remote monitoring equipment, designed to be coupled to different freight trains.

Agreement: 2025/05/22
Location: Entroncamento
Partner: MEDWAY

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Platform

Innovation Hub

Projects, events and learning resources from the railway research community.

App

RailTag

Identification and tracking of railway assets with NFC tags.

See all projects Explore our four research lines →

Recent activity

Events, partnerships and milestones from RAIL CoLAB and its associates.

RAIL CoLAB and MEDWAY sign the agreement on stage at the Portugal Railway Summit

2025/05/22

RAIL CoLAB and MEDWAY partner to build a Freight Laboratory Train

João Fernandes and Carlos Vasconcelos signed the agreement in Entroncamento to develop the laboratory train.

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Who makes RAIL CoLAB

Companies, higher education institutions, R&D centres and associations from the Portuguese railway sector.

Companies08

Higher education and R&D07

Sector associations02

See all associates Governing bodies Team

Let’s build the railway together

For project proposals, R&D partnerships or to become an associate, get in touch.

Email: geral@railcolab.pt
Address: Parque Oficinal de Guifões, Rua do Ferroviário
4460-020 Guifões, Matosinhos
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Tax no.: 517 189 224
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/rail-colab ↗