DB SYSTEMTECHNIK GMBH

Their core work

DB Systemtechnik is Deutsche Bahn's in-house engineering, testing, and certification subsidiary, based in Minden, Germany. They provide independent measurement, validation, and approval services for railway rolling stock and infrastructure — including traction systems, brakes, noise emissions, and track condition monitoring. In H2020, they consistently supplied specialized testing and measurement expertise to Shift2Rail projects, acting as the technical validation arm for Europe's largest rail innovation programme. Their work spans from laboratory testing of SiC power electronics to on-track acoustic monitoring of rail quality.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early period (2015–2018), DB Systemtechnik contributed broadly across foundational Shift2Rail topics — rail freight logistics, KPI frameworks, standardization, human capital, and initial traction and braking R&D. From 2019 onward, their focus sharpened considerably toward hardware demonstration and validation: SiC traction systems moving from development to on-train demonstration, virtual certification processes, advanced freight wagon design, and HVAC systems. The trajectory shows a clear shift from research participation to technology validation and pre-certification testing — exactly where a testing house adds the most value.

DB Systemtechnik is moving toward virtual and mixed certification methods for rail vehicles, positioning them as a key partner for anyone needing to get new rolling stock technology approved for European railways.

How they like to work

DB Systemtechnik operates almost exclusively as a third-party contributor (18 of 19 projects), providing specialized testing and measurement services to large Shift2Rail consortia rather than leading projects. Their single coordinated project (AMONTRACK, an MSCA fellowship) is the exception. With 136 unique partners across 16 countries, they are deeply embedded in Europe's rail research network — but as a service provider to large programmes rather than a consortium builder. Working with them means accessing Deutsche Bahn's testing infrastructure and certification know-how without needing to engage DB AG directly.

Connected to 136 unique partners across 16 countries, almost entirely through the Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking ecosystem. Their network covers the full European rail supply chain — from train manufacturers and operators to academic research groups and component suppliers.

What sets them apart

DB Systemtechnik offers something rare: independent testing and validation capacity backed by Deutsche Bahn's operational railway network and decades of measurement expertise. Unlike university labs or consultancies, they can test components and systems under real operational conditions on Europe's largest rail network. For any consortium developing new rail technology that needs credible, operator-backed validation before certification, they are a natural and highly credible partner.

Highlights from their portfolio

• AMONTRACK
  Their only coordinated project — an MSCA fellowship on acoustic track monitoring, showing independent research ambition beyond their usual third-party testing role.
• PINTA3
  Final phase of the Shift2Rail traction programme, moving SiC traction systems from development to on-train demonstration — represents their most advanced validation work.
• FR8RAIL IV
  Comprehensive freight innovation project covering condition-based maintenance, automatic coupling, electrification, and 1500m-long trains — the future of European rail freight.