From 24 to 26 June 2025, SIFER, the International Railway Industry Exhibition, returns to Lille Grand Palais for its 14ᵉ edition. The only trade event in France dedicated to the rail industry, SIFER is much more than a trade show: it is a catalyst for innovation, a forum for structuring debates and an accelerator of commercial connections, serving an industry undergoing major change.

"Today, rail is at the crossroads of major technological, industrial and climatic transformations. SIFER 2025 is fully in line with this dynamic, bringing together public and private players, major groups and start- ups alike, to work together to build the railways of the future. Through its content, demonstrations, business meetings and strategic partnerships, the show reflects the vitality of an industry that is constantly reinventing itself. Our ambition is clear: to ensure that every attendee leaves with concrete solutions, qualified contacts and a broader perspective on the opportunities and innovations driving the industry forward."

Arianna Rossini, SIFER Event Director

Key figures for 2025

●    More than 300 exhibitors, including 120 new ones, from 14 countries, including Capgemini, Digirail, RATP Group, BSB Maschinenbau...
●    7,500 trade visitors expected, a third of them international
●    5,500 m² of exhibition space, with demonstration lanes, themed areas and immersive spaces
●    Hauts-de-France, host region and national leader in the rail industry, with 40% of French production and 16,000 specialised jobs

3 KEY THEMES AT THE HEART OF THE EDITION

Digital transformation: from data to decision-making AI, IoT and data are radically changing the management of rail infrastructure and operations. Digitalisation is improving efficiency, maintenance, safety and communication with users. Among the solutions at the show this year: IoT sensor solutions for infrastructure monitoring / Massive data management platforms (cloud, edge computing) / Connected maintenance simulators, etc.

Essential conference topics :

●    Capgemini & SNCF Réseau - How digital supervision optimises performance and customer experience on a large scale (25 June, 4.50pm)
●    PREDITIC - Data structuring, field use cases, development of decision-support tools for maintenance (25 June, 3.15pm)

Automation: heading for autonomous rail

Automation is a cornerstone of competitiveness, and it runs through the entire value chain: track monitoring, remote diagnostics, assisted driving and real-time traffic management. Among the demonstrations expected in 2025: Automated track monitoring / Remote control platforms for installations / On-board intelligent sensors, etc.

Highlights on this theme:

●    RATP Group - Showcases its commitment to open innovation through the Rail Open Lab, driving real-world experimentation to advance automation and sustainable solutions in rail transport (25 June, 12.30pm)
●    Egis - 20 years of expertise in signalling, telecoms and operations: a look back at projects integrating
supervision, automation, BIM and eco-design (24 June, 3.40pm)

Decarbonisation and sustainability: an imperative that is driving innovation

Faced with climate commitments, rail is stepping up its transition: electrification, hybridisation, hydrogen, sustainable materials, energy efficiency, etc. Sustainable innovations to be found on exhibitors' stands over 3 days (bio-based materials, lightweight composites / recycling solutions for rails, sleepers, components / innovations in regenerative braking and low-energy traction).

Session not to be missed:

●    The Carnot network - 4 Carnot institutes have joined forces in a consortium to respond to the challenges of the rail sector around the subjects of mastering wheel/rail contact and the induced impacts in terms of safety, solutions to the training of technical personnel in the rail sector, through to the decarbonisation of the rail industry throughout the value chain with a particular focus on advanced batteries and hydrogen as innovative energy solutions for rail. (25 June, 2.10pm)

THE 2025 EDITION, CHAMPIONING INNOVATION AND MAJOR TRANSITIONS

Spotlight on a unique new space dedicated to railway tunnels

A major new feature of this year's event is the Tunnelling Area, which will be making its debut at SIFER 2025. Designed as an immersive and strategic space, it will highlight the major technical and technological advances in tunnelling, equipment, safety and maintenance in underground environments. Organised in partnership with TELT - Tunnel Euralpin Lyon Turin, this new space responds to a growing challenge: the increasing importance of underground rail infrastructures in metropolitan and cross- border transport networks. Visitors will discover :

●    The latest mechanised drilling and tunnel lining solutions
●    Ventilation, signalling and surveillance systems adapted to the specific constraints of the underground environment
●    Innovations in fire safety and evacuation management
●    Emblematic projects (such as Lyon-Turin) presented by their industrial players
The other major new features of this year's edition:
●    Innovation Hub, larger and more international, with 12 selected start-ups in AI, cybersecurity,
predictive maintenance, new-generation signalling, etc.
●    Job Zone, a jobs and careers forum for rail professionals, with the presence of SNCF Réseau and more
●    SIFER Connect, a digital networking platform for scheduling qualified B2B meetings

SIFER, A SHOWCASE FOR OPEN INNOVATION AND COLLECTIVE DYNAMICS

The show highlights the cooperative ventures, local ecosystems and collective initiatives that are driving the industry forward:

●    Opening ceremony - 24 June at 10.30am, with SNCF Réseau, UNIFE, FIF and the Hauts-de-France Region
●    Round Table: Resilience in the face of challenges: how can we strengthen the competitiveness of the European rail equipment industry? High-level industry and political leaders will address key issues such as public procurement, research and innovation, and regulatory aspects, all of which are essential to ensuring the competitiveness of this sector in Europe. As the European rail supply industry seeks to overcome the current geopolitical difficulties to meet its ambitious growth targets for the end of the decade, this event will address some of the most pressing issues. (24 June, 11.50 am)
●    Trophées de l'Innovation Ferroviaire & ERCI Awards - Organised by i-Trans, the award ceremony will recognise the skills and know-how of innovative companies offering solutions to increase the competitiveness of the rail industry (24 June, 5 pm).
●    30 years of AIF - Association des Industries Ferroviaires
- A series of speeches and meetings to celebrate three decades of industrial commitment
●    The FIF Village - Presentation of the member companies of the Fédération des Industries Ferroviaires and a forum area for flash conferences and learning opportunities

Tickets and press accreditation :
https://www.sifer-expo.com/en-gb/tickets.html
Follow SIFER on social networks : https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/sifer/ https://www.youtube.com/@SIFER-EXPO

About RX

RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 41 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com.

www.sifer-expo./en-gn/tickets.html