Critical Software and Swiss rail manufacturer Stadler have formalized the creation of Stadler Digital Labs, a new joint venture focused on accelerating innovation and digital transformation in the railway sector.
With offices in Coimbra and Lisbon, the new company launches with 100 employees and plans to expand to 300 within the next three years. This marks Critical Software’s third joint venture, following partnerships in the automotive and aerospace industries.
According to Rogério Gomes, CEO of Stadler Digital Labs, the project reflects the strategic alignment between two organizations that share a vision for innovation, safety, and the modernization of rail systems. He highlighted the importance of railways not only for the growth of the Portuguese economy but also for strengthening safe and interoperable European mobility.
The joint venture combines Stadler’s extensive rail expertise — the Swiss group is headquartered in Bussnang and employs around 17,200 people across eight production facilities, six engineering centers, and more than 80 service locations worldwide — with Critical Software’s capabilities in software engineering, safety-critical systems, cybersecurity, and applied digital innovation.
For Critical Software, which employs around 1,400 professionals across Portugal, the UK, the US, and Germany, the partnership reinforces its strategy of building high-value collaborations in critical sectors. Chairman Gonçalo Quadros emphasized that trust and innovation remain central pillars of the company’s growth, noting that such joint ventures are a powerful way to contribute to building safer and more advanced mobility systems.
Stadler Digital Labs will focus on scalable engineering capabilities and the delivery of comprehensive railway software solutions, cybersecurity services, and digital products, supporting the next generation of rail transport systems.
Related News