Cufflink secures innovation prize

Personal data security provider Cufflink has been named the winner of Transport for Wales’ annual innovation accelerator programme.

The 12-week programme, developed and organised by TfW and Alt Labs, enabled startup companies from across the UK to receive support and mentoring to develop innovative ideas, before pitching to a panel of rail experts at a ‘Demo Day’ on May 26.

The theme for this year centred on the challenge of improving the passenger experiences.

The winning entry from Cufflink is said to make businesses more secure and compliant by distributing personal and sensitive data and licensing its access. Other entrants included a digital travel companion from Porter Travel.

A trophy was presented by TfW Chief Operating Officer Marie Daly at an event in Cardiff, where keynote speeches were also made by Professor Simon Gibson CBE and TfW Commercial and Customer Experience Director David O’Leary.

“The Lab by TfW accelerator programme has highlighted the benefits of innovative thinking,” said Alt Labs CEO Imran Anwar.

“I’m proud to have helped nurture and train the businesses in this cohort to have a fit-forpurpose minimum viable product (MVP) and pitch in just 12 weeks. The positive reception to each idea presented is a testament to their dedication and hard work.”

TfW has trialled a new onboard digital service that provides personalised journey information announcements to passengers with hearing loss.

The Hearing Enhanced Audio Relay (HEAR) phone app was successfully tested on the Rhymney-Penarth route for two months, having been funded by the Department for Transport through its £9 million ‘First of a Kind 2021’ competition, delivered by Innovate UK.