DB INFRAGO AG

Their core work

DB INFRAGO AG (formerly DB Netz AG) is the infrastructure subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn, responsible for operating and maintaining Germany's entire railway network — tracks, signalling systems, stations, and energy supply. In H2020, they contribute deep operational expertise on real-world rail infrastructure to R&D projects, serving as the end-user validation partner for advanced signalling (ETCS, moving block), automatic train operation, 5G rail communications, and digital asset management. Their role is to ensure that research outputs are compatible with the largest rail network in Central Europe.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In 2015-2018, DB INFRAGO focused on foundational railway digitisation: ERTMS satellite positioning (ERSAT EAV), critical infrastructure cybersecurity (CIPSEC), and early signalling automation concepts (X2Rail-1, IN2RAIL). From 2019 onward, the focus shifted decisively toward system-level integration — system-of-systems architectures, semantic data models, digital twins, and governance frameworks (LINX4RAIL series), alongside 5G communications for rail (5GRAIL) and autonomous train operation (TAURO). The trajectory shows a move from component-level R&D toward full digital railway ecosystem design and standardisation.

DB INFRAGO is moving toward defining the digital backbone of European rail — system architectures, data standards, and 5G communications — positioning itself as the reference infrastructure operator for next-generation railway systems.

How they like to work

DB INFRAGO never coordinates projects but participates extensively — overwhelmingly as a third party (16 of 22 projects), which reflects its role as an infrastructure operator providing real-world validation environments and operational requirements rather than leading research. With 233 unique consortium partners across 24 countries, they are deeply embedded in the Shift2Rail ecosystem and connected to virtually every major European rail R&D actor. Working with them means access to Germany's rail network as a testing and validation ground, but expect them to contribute requirements and operational feedback rather than drive the research agenda.

Connected to 233 unique partners across 24 countries, making them one of the most networked rail infrastructure operators in H2020. Their reach spans the entire Shift2Rail community and extends into 5G telecoms and cybersecurity sectors.

What sets them apart

As the operator of Germany's 33,000+ km rail network, DB INFRAGO brings something no research institute or technology company can: a live, continental-scale railway system for validating R&D outputs. Their involvement in a project signals that the technology is being tested against real operational constraints, not just in simulation. For consortium builders, having DB INFRAGO as a partner adds immediate credibility with evaluators and ensures research stays grounded in deployment reality.

Highlights from their portfolio

• 5GRAIL
  Largest funded project (EUR 849,800) — DB INFRAGO's flagship effort to define 5G-based Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) as the successor to GSM-R across Europe.
• LINX4RAIL2
  Defines the system-of-systems architecture and data standards for all European railways — a governance-shaping project that will influence how rail data is structured continent-wide.
• X2Rail-5
  Culmination of the five-part X2Rail series, bringing moving block signalling, adaptable communication, and cybersecurity to demonstrator and prototype stage.