The DB mindbox Regional Traffic Program invites innovators in the mobility sector to develop solutions that will shape the future of everyday transportation. In partnership with DB Regio, Germany's largest operator of local rail and public bus services, this initiative seeks to address key operational challenges. The program offers a platform for startups to develop and test prototypes and business models that can enhance services for millions of passengers and improve processes for employees.
Program Benefits
• Funding: Receive EUR 25,000 in funding with no equity taken.
• Access & Resources: Gain exclusive access to DB experts, data, markets, and customers.
• Mentorship & Coaching: Benefit from an individual coaching program and expert mentoring.
• Dedicated Support: A dedicated DB mindbox startup manager will serve as a liaison to the Deutsche Bahn organization.
• Workspace: Utilize the option to work at a coworking space in central Berlin with 24/7 access.
• Long-Term Collaboration: Establish a foundation for potential joint projects and a successful long-term partnership with the Deutsche Bahn Group.
Innovation Focus Area: Regional Rail and Bus Operations
Seeking digital and data-driven solutions to increase vehicle availability, streamline workflows, and optimize operational processes in response to rising passenger demand.
• Disruption Root Cause Analysis: Develop solutions to analyze the causes of disruptions in rail operations by intelligently linking and evaluating diverse data sources, such as SAP, vehicle data, and social media. The objective is to automatically assign the correct DB Regio fine code based on the data analysis.
• Smallest Exchangeable Unit Optimization: Propose scalable approaches to systematically analyze work instructions, compare them against manufacturer and DB specifications, prioritize potential savings, and demonstrate measurable benefits under real workshop conditions, including factors like 8-hour operating windows and occupational safety.
• Image-Based Damage Documentation: Create a solution to digitize the legally compliant documentation of vehicle damage in parking facilities using body cameras (currently using netco models). The system must process incoming image sequences in real-time, link relevant metadata (vehicle number, location, timestamp) to recognized damage, and provide this as a standardized data package via an API for integration with DB's intelligent digital assistant.
• Sensor-Based Prediction of Door Malfunctions: Design easily retrofittable sensor technology to detect anomalies in door behavior at an early stage and provide reliable forecasts of potential malfunctions. The initial Proof of Concept will focus on the BR 423 train model, but the solution should be adaptable to other vehicle types. The system should ultimately send information to the control center and as a maintenance message to SAP.
Innovation Focus Area: Intelligent Planning and Real-Time Mobility Optimization
To enhance responsiveness to operational challenges, DB Regio is looking for smarter planning systems that can adapt dynamically to real-world conditions.
• Optimized Stabling and Rotation Planning: Develop a solution to optimize vehicle circulation and parking planning during non-operational hours, considering all necessary stages such as water disposal, cleaning, refueling, and maintenance. The system must be capable of processing a wide range of data formats, including Excel and PDF documents, to generate economically and operationally optimal plans.
• Real-Time Route Control for Public Buses: Build an editable, bus-specific routing platform that incorporates infrastructure attributes like bridge heights. The solution must enable live rerouting, transmit updated routes to on-board navigation systems in real-time, and use schedule-based forecasting to bridge connectivity dead spots. It should also provide context-related dispatching suggestions and recognize impacts on connecting trips. The system's digital twin for each bus should contain extensive data, including position, timetable, forecasts, and passenger counts.
Application Timeline
• Application Deadline: April 12, 2026
• Announcement of Candidates: May 4, 2026
• Selection Day: May 21, 2026
• Program Start: June 8, 2026
• Program End: September 17, 2026
Application Requirements
To apply, participants are required to complete an online application form and submit the following documents:
• Pitch Deck: A comprehensive presentation in .pdf format.
• Company Logo: A high-resolution logo file in .png, .jpg, or .jpeg format.
• Team Photo: A team photograph in .png, .jpg, or .jpeg format.
Pitch Deck Guidelines
The pitch deck should provide a comprehensive overview of the team and solution, covering the following areas:
• Startup Introduction: A brief overview of the company, its mission and vision, background information on the founding team, and a summary of financial KPIs, investments, and funding.
• Product & Unique Selling Proposition (USP): An overview of the product or service, a clear articulation of how it addresses a specific Deutsche Bahn challenge, details on the unique innovations that differentiate it from existing solutions, and evidence from any successful implementations or tests with other companies, including references.
• 100-Day PoC Collaboration Plan: A clear outline of the objectives to be achieved during the 100-day Proof of Concept, including a breakdown of milestones and a timeline of planned steps.
Support and Inquiries
• General FAQ: A general FAQ is available for review on the program website.
• Open Q&A Meetings: Prospective applicants can join open Q&A sessions via MS Teams on March 30th and April 7th from 12:00–12:30 CET.
This program presents a significant opportunity for startups to collaborate closely with Europe’s largest mobility and infrastructure provider. By participating, innovators can lay the groundwork for impactful projects and build a successful, long-term partnership with the Deutsche Bahn Group, which employs over 300,000 people.