RSA Spark’s impact for 2024/25
RSA Spark drew submissions from a diverse range of students across a broad spectrum of subject disciplines, countries of study and ethnicity.
Railway 200 & Beyond showcase
RSA Spark 2024/25
Business and entrepreneurship
Design
Education
RSA Spark
How might we take inspiration from 200 years of railway success while innovating for an even brighter future?
Super Rail: Legend on Tracks
Alliah Bago
Edinburgh Napier University, UK
A concept designed to reignite the wonderful experience of travelling. This concept combines education, inspiration and community engagement, celebrating the historical significance of rail transport while promoting creativity and innovation.
Super Rail is brought to life through thoughtfully curated elements, including informative displays, cardboard figures, themed trains (designed by local creatives), an educational video on railway heritage, and an interactive activity book for children to document their journey.
By transforming stations into dynamic, engaging environments, Super Rail fosters shared experiences and meaningful connections. It not only connects destinations, but also connects people, reminding us of the enduring power of the railway.
Eco Fashion Express
Li-Yu Chang
Northumbria University, UK
Eco Fashion Express is transforming railway stations into sustainable fashion hubs, promoting local style and eco-conscious choices. Eco Fashion Express holds local second-hand clothing pop-ups at train stations to help merchants promote their brands, boost the economy, and engage the community.
Train stations have high passenger flow, increasing visibility for local second-hand culture and creating marketing opportunities. The primary audiences are local merchants, students, and railway companies. Students are interested in second-hand clothing, making this a great way to connect. With stations in major UK cities, different regional styles are easily shared. Railways can also support city economies and promote sustainability through these events, thereby improving the brand reputation of second-hand clothing.
Eco Fashion Express is also a winner of the Chacegrove Family Foundation Entrepreneurs Award.
Porter
Dan Hatfield
Loughborough University, UK
A pioneering rail service, powered by passengers on the go carrying parcels for their neighbours in exchange for discounts and rewards. Honouring the caring legacy of railway porters, Porter harnesses the high speeds of underutilised rail lines and passengers, looking towards a more compassionate future for same-day, sustainable, local business parcel delivery.
Using empty seats from town-to-town routes, this low-cost service promotes environmental responsibility, empowers regional economies, and inspires neighbourly connection to a new generation. Rewarding parcels delivered and exploring local areas, profits are invested in improving rail infrastructure, enhancing experience, and expanding overcrowded commuter services, accelerating a passenger- and planet-first future.
Meet Dan Hatfield and explore his work
Turbine Trains
Sion Kollettu, Aqeel Rahim, Ben Joseph and Nishant Pitla
Sir Thomas Rich’s school, UK
Rail transport is a vital, low-carbon mass transit mode; yet, the UK’s electric trains consume over 3,709 million kWh annually across more than 10,730 trains. To reduce reliance on fossil fuels while maintaining efficiency, sustainable energy solutions are essential.
Our proposal to install wind turbines on trains harnesses natural airflow during travel, generating renewable energy without altering propulsion methods.
This innovation maximises existing infrastructure and aligns with the UK’s net-zero emissions goal by supporting greener, more sustainable rail transport.
Re:Station
Sofiia Meshcheriakova, Laura Balestrieri, Ella Kluska
Edinburgh College, UK
Transforming uninspiring stations into community-focused, sustainable hubs with local markets and more green spaces.
Re:Station creates opportunities for local producers and artisans to showcase their work, fostering a sense of belonging and pride among residents whilst attracting visitors. This idea will revive the tradition of local markets to promote regional specialities, connect rural and urban communities and support local businesses. The design, with native plants and eco-friendly solutions, reflects Scotland’s natural beauty and identity.
Drawing on Network Rail’s 200-year legacy and Edinburgh’s cultural roots, traditions such as horse-drawn drays will be integrated into a modern yet nostalgic design that celebrates Scotland’s rich cultural heritage.
Meet Sofiia Meshcheriakova
Commuter Carriage
Edward Yarsley, Ben Whelan and Aidan Clucas
Sir Thomas Rich’s school, UK
Commuter Carriage is an original retrofit carriage design focused on the improvement of the commuter experience on the GWR Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington line.
The design proposes fitting the carriage with:
- A compact fold-down chair to increase seating availability and space in the carriage.
- A modular bike storage system which allows commuters to bring their own transport and reduce bike theft.
The design aims to reduce train fares by increasing seating capacity and overall commuter satisfaction.
In partnership with
More from RSA Spark
RSA Spark review panels
Meet the RSA Spark team of reviewers. The panels have been curated to include an impressive range of expertise across and beyond RSA Fellowship.
Meet the RSA Spark entrepreneur guides
Behind every budding idea is someone who knows what it takes to bring it to life. This year, three guides have stepped forward, aligned with the RSA Spark briefs.
Students changing tomorrow
RSA Spark
RSA Spark welcomes students from around the globe to develop and apply their agency, skills, and creativity to real-world briefs that do more good for people, places, and the planet.
