DB Regio GPS Challenge

Precise vehicle positioning is the key to stable operational processes, higher automation, and a better overall system in regional rail transport. However, in current practice, positioning repeatedly reaches its limits—especially in areas where multiple tracks run close together or vehicles are parked.

With the GPS Challenge 2026, DB Regio invites external experts to find new, purely data-driven approaches to intelligently process existing position data in order to enable track-accurate positioning around the clock.

Sounds exciting, but still have questions? Join our weekly meeting every Wednesday (starting 28 January 2026) from 12:00–12:30 CET via MS Teams. 

In daily regional rail operations, existing solutions do not always allow for a clear determination of which track a train is on. The result:

• Limited transparency for control centers and dispatching
• Restricted automation of processes
• Untapped potential in planning, operations, and maintenance

At the same time, traditional solutions such as vehicle retrofitting or additional hardware are not practical—they are costly, time-consuming, and cannot be scaled quickly.

The key question therefore is:

How can the quality of existing location data be significantly improved—purely by using data and algorithms?

We aim to introduce an innovative, scalable solution that:

• Significantly increases the accuracy of vehicle positions from existing systems
• Enables track-accurate positioning in relevant operational areas
• Can be used in real time or near real time (processing speed in production: approx. 50 messages per second)
• Works transparently and comprehensibly with access to source code (no black box)
• Enables validation of output data according to FzO-BO criteria

The long-term goal is a nationwide, 24/7 available and operationally viable train positioning system for regional rail transport.

The GPS Challenge represents the first step and enables DB Regio to identify the best external team (i.e., a startup, technology company, or group of experts with founding intentions) with whom a 100-day Proof of Concept (PoC) will be developed and implemented after the challenge.

The DB Regio GPS Challenge is organized as a multi-stage process.

Applications can be submitted via the “Apply Now” button and application form until 15 March 2026. All applications received by this date will be evaluated by an expert team from Deutsche Bahn.

The five most promising teams will be invited to virtual concept challenge days via MS Teams, taking place from 4 May (midday) to 6 May (midday). During these days, participating teams will receive detailed information about the use case, including a data package. Together with DB experts, they will work on specific aspects of the required GPS data processing to develop their solution concept.

On Wednesday, 6 May, all teams will present their concept for the upcoming work phase, including information about the planned algorithm. A jury of DB experts will select the three teams with the best approaches.

This is followed by a two-week remote work phase in which the three teams will develop a prototype or mock-up using the provided DB data package and open data streams. Weekly mandatory status meetings and touchpoints with DB experts will take place remotely.

On 21 May, the teams will present their detailed concepts live in Berlin, providing initial insights into input-output data connections, data transformation documentation, and a target concept. The presentation will take place as part of a workshop format with a jury of DB Regio experts. At the end of the pitch event, a winning team will be announced.

The winner will become part of the 100-day Proof of Concept program starting on 8 June and will receive €25,000 in funding (non-equity) to further develop the solution in close collaboration with DB Regio and a DB mindbox startup manager.

Expense allowance for participation in the challenge is based on fixed amounts:

• Each participating team receives a one-time payment of €1,500 for participation in the remote challenge days.
• Each team that continues into the two-week work phase and participates in the final presentation receives a one-time payment of €4,500.
• In addition, travel expenses (transport, accommodation) of up to €500 per team for the presentation on 21 May in Berlin can be reimbursed upon submission of receipts.

The winning team receives participation in the 100-day Proof of Concept program of DB mindbox, including:

• Exclusive access to Deutsche Bahn experts, data, markets, and customers
• €25,000 in funding with no equity requirement
• Exclusive access to a selected network of coaching and mentoring experts
• Dedicated support from a DB mindbox startup manager as an interface to the Deutsche Bahn world
• Optional: Working from our coworking space in central Berlin with 24/7 access