Innovation with System – how ÖBB strategically integrates start-ups

When thinking of the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), one thinks of decades of experience, reliability, and a complex network of passenger and freight transport. However, what many may not know is that behind the scenes, a dedicated team is actively driving the collaboration with start-ups.

One of the central figures behind this is Werner Summerer, Start-up Engagement Manager in the area of Innovation. With a team of over 20 people, he looks after the topic of Venture Clienting – that is, how start-ups can bring their technologies directly into the operational everyday life of the railway.

“Our goal is to efficiently bring innovations from the market – including from start-ups – into the company. In the end, both we internally and our customers benefit from this,” explains Summerer.

From Container to Data Model – when freight transport becomes intelligent

A particularly tangible example of what innovation looks like in practice is the smart containers of ÖBB.

• Each container is equipped with sensors that capture in real time where the cargo is located.

• At the same time, kilometer performance and usage data are recorded – a valuable basis for Predictive Maintenance.

• This allows maintenance cycles to be optimized, downtimes to be avoided, and safety to be increased.

“We have made our containers intelligent – with added value not only for us internally but also for our customers. This is a classic case where a start-up solution serves as an ideal complement to a large process – a win on all sides.”

This example illustrates how the railway is becoming more efficient, transparent, and sustainable through technology partnerships.

Open Innovation with Clear Goals

Innovation is not an end in itself at ÖBB.
The team around Summerer measures the success of its work against clearly defined key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Business Impact: What measurable improvements – such as cost savings, increased revenue, or quality gains – arise from cooperation with start-ups?

• Sustainability: How permanently can the results be integrated into existing processes?

• Scalability: Does the solution have the potential to be rolled out across the entire company?

“Our central KPI is Business Impact,” emphasizes Summerer. “Sometimes a single case that delivers genuine added value is worth more than ten small experiments.”

Culture of Empowerment instead of Fear of Change

What distinguishes ÖBB from many traditional corporations is its open approach to collaboration.
Instead of copying new technologies internally, the railway relies on true partnerships with external innovators.

• Start-ups bring speed and fresh perspectives.

• ÖBB brings experience, infrastructure, and data.

• Together, solutions arise that neither side could have realized so quickly alone.

“We see ourselves as enablers,” says Summerer. “We create the framework conditions so that new ideas even have a chance within the company. This is often the most difficult, but also the most important step.”

Smart Future on the Tracks

The intelligent container is just the beginning.
In the future, data-driven systems, sensors, and AI are expected to grow even more together – from freight transport to maintenance to customer communication.

• Real-time analyses for operational decisions

• Automated maintenance cycles through machine learning

• Transparent supply chains that take CO₂ emissions and energy consumption into account

“We are in the midst of a transformation,” says Summerer. “Start-ups help us make this transformation faster – with new technologies that we specifically integrate into our operations.”

Conclusion: Innovation that Matters

ÖBB impressively demonstrates how a traditional company lives innovation pragmatically yet ambitiously.
Instead of hype, there is structure. Instead of control, there is collaboration. And instead of innovation for the sake of innovation, the measurable benefit is the focus.