“The Future Track incubator is a collaboration between Iarnród Éireann and Dogpatch Labs that uses a startup approach to transform rail transportation in Ireland.”
Liam Kenny, Innovation Programmes Manager, Iarnród Éireann
Rail as the backbone of sustainable transport
Rail2050 is an ambitious programme of growth and investment to strengthen rail’s role in Ireland’s future transport system. As demand grows and sustainability targets become more urgent, Iarnród Éireann is investing in the people, ideas and capabilities needed to shape the next generation of rail.
Future Track supports that ambition by helping teams move from challenge to insight, from insight to concept, and from concept to a clear proposal that can be reviewed, tested and progressed.
So, what's our destination?
51%
Target reduction in emissions by 2030
Net zero
Target by 2050
200 million
Passenger journeys per annum targeted by 2050
Why Future Track exists
The future of rail depends on more than infrastructure investment. It also depends on the ability to identify opportunities, test assumptions, collaborate across functions and move good ideas towards action.
Future Track gives Iarnród Éireann colleagues a structured way to explore real organisational challenges while building innovation skills they can bring back into their day-to-day roles.
The programme creates space for teams to ask better questions, engage with customers and stakeholders, test what matters, and develop proposals that are grounded in evidence rather than assumptions.
“I am delighted to support our Future Track Innovation Programme.”
Mary Considine, CEO, Iarnród Éireann
What Future Track is
Future Track is a structured, hybrid innovation programme where cross-functional teams explore a challenge, validate assumptions with customers and stakeholders, and develop a clear proposal for a pilot or next step.
Dogpatch Labs provides the startup methods, coaching, facilitation and mentorship to guide teams from early insight through to an investment-ready pitch.
Teams work on real challenges with real constraints. The programme focuses on evidence, discovery, testing and iteration. Each programme culminates with teams presenting a clear proposal to Iarnród Éireann’s Senior Leadership Team.
How it works
Future Track guides teams through three connected stages: Discover, Design and Propose.
Stage 01
Discover
Teams define the problem, map stakeholders, run interviews and identify opportunity areas. This stage helps teams understand the challenge from multiple perspectives before moving towards solutions.
Stage 02
Design
Teams shape potential solutions, test assumptions, explore feasibility and consider the business model or operational case behind the idea. This stage helps teams refine what is most valuable, practical and achievable.
Stage 03
Propose
Teams prepare a clear pitch, develop an investment proposal with supporting financials, and create a pilot plan with recommended next steps. Projects have real investment potential and will help deliver the railway of the future. This stage helps decision-makers understand the opportunity, the evidence behind it and what is needed to progress.
Focus areas
Future Track explores opportunities connected to Iarnród Éireann’s strategic priorities, including customer experience, integrated transport, operational improvement and sustainability.
The programme supports colleagues to look at challenges from different angles, bring together operational knowledge and customer insight, and identify ideas that can make a practical difference across the organisation.
01
Customer experience
Improving journeys, services and touchpoints for passengers.
02
Integrated transport network
Exploring how rail connects with wider mobility systems and supports modal shift.
03
Operational improvement
Identifying opportunities to improve processes, efficiency and ways of working.
04
Sustainability
Developing ideas that support lower-emission, more resilient and future-ready rail.
Participant experience
|
“ Dogpatch’s level of expertise and personnel are excellent, and each person brings a unique talent. The Entrepreneurs-in-Residence are a great addition, and the constant challenge is both enjoyable and valuable. |
“ The Future Track incubator is one of the most engaging, encouraging, collaborative and fun experiences I have ever participated in. |
|
“ It is a huge learning experience. I met colleagues I would not otherwise have met, and pitching in front of the Senior Management Team in Iarnród Éireann is a huge opportunity. |
|
Delivered by Dogpatch Labs and Iarnród Éireann
Future Track combines Dogpatch Labs’ innovation delivery expertise with Iarnród Éireann’s deep operational knowledge, strategic ambition and internal sponsorship.
|
Dogpatch Labs brings Proven startup methods adapted for corporate and public-sector environments Programme design, facilitation and coaching Access to entrepreneurs, mentors and specialist advisors Structure, cadence and accountability that creates momentum Pitch support that helps teams communicate with clarity |
Iarnród Éireann brings Meaningful challenges grounded in real organisational priorities Access to colleagues, expertise and operational context Sponsorship pathways and senior decision-makers A commitment to turning learning into action Teams with the knowledge and motivation to shape the future of rail |
Capability that lasts
Future Track is designed to build capability that lasts beyond the programme. It embeds methods, mindsets and ways of working that colleagues can reuse in their roles across Iarnród Éireann.
Case studies and articles
Explore more from the Future Track partnership, including programme stories, participant perspectives and examples of innovation in action.
|
RTÉ News Iarnród Éireann and Dogpatch Labs announce partnership |
Silicon Republic Future Track: Dogpatch to train Iarnród Éireann in thinking like start-ups |
|
Irish Rail Transforming Ireland’s transport landscape: Iarnród Éireann and Dogpatch Labs forge tracks to an innovative sustainable future |
The Irish Times Iarnród Éireann teams up with Dogpatch Labs to transform rail travel |
|
Business Plus Irish Rail and Dogpatch Labs team up for sustainable future |