HELLENIC TRAIN - ANONYMI SIDIRODROMIKI ETAIREIA

Their core work

Hellenic Train (formerly TrainOSE) is Greece's national railway passenger and freight operator, running train services across the Greek rail network. In H2020, they contribute real-world railway operational environments for testing and validating new technologies — from 5G connectivity and AI-based asset maintenance to safer level crossings and border control systems. Their value lies in providing access to live rail infrastructure, operational data, and domain expertise that technology developers need to validate solutions before market deployment.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early period (2015-2018), Hellenic Train engaged in urban logistics optimization (NOVELOG), border security technology (iBorderCtrl), and rail safety infrastructure (SAFER-LC) — a scattered portfolio reflecting an organization exploring where EU research could benefit its operations. From 2019 onward, the focus sharpened decisively toward digital transformation of rail: AI-driven asset maintenance, 5G connectivity for rail operations, and workforce adaptation for automation. The shift from security/logistics topics to AI, 5G, and workforce readiness signals a company actively preparing for the digital railway of the future.

Hellenic Train is moving firmly toward AI-powered rail operations and digital infrastructure, making them a strong demo partner for any technology targeting smart railways.

How they like to work

Hellenic Train participates exclusively as a consortium partner — they have never coordinated a project, which is typical for railway operators who provide test environments rather than lead research. With 119 unique partners across 25 countries, they connect to a broad European network, suggesting they are sought after as a real-world validation site. Their role is that of an end-user and infrastructure provider: they offer live rail environments, operational expertise, and domain requirements that research teams need for credible demonstrations.

Extensive European network spanning 119 unique partners across 25 countries, built through 6 diverse consortia. This breadth reflects demand for their rail infrastructure as a demonstration and validation environment rather than repeated collaboration with a tight circle of partners.

What sets them apart

As Greece's primary railway operator, Hellenic Train offers something most research partners cannot: a live national rail network for real-world testing of new technologies. Their recent project portfolio shows they are actively digitizing operations — making them a timely partner for anyone developing AI maintenance tools, 5G transport applications, or workforce transition solutions for rail. For consortium builders, they bring both the infrastructure for large-scale demonstrations and the end-user perspective that reviewers value.

Highlights from their portfolio

• 5G-VICTORI
  Their largest project (EUR 307,500) testing 5G networks across rail, energy, and media verticals — positions them at the center of next-generation rail connectivity.
• DAYDREAMS
  Applies prescriptive analytics and machine learning directly to railway asset maintenance — their most operationally relevant R&D investment.
• WE-TRANSFORM
  Addresses the human side of rail automation through participatory approaches to workforce restructuring — a topic gaining urgency across European transport operators.