Broadband  |  2026-02-16

RideOnTrack Wins VLAIO Grant to Advance MCX Technology

Source: The Critical Communications Review | Gert Jan Wolf editor

Belgian technology company receives Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship funding to develop next-generation broadband communication solutions for public safety, defense, and rail sectors.

RideOnTrack has been awarded a development project grant by VLAIO – Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship for its innovation project (HBC.2025.1055), marking a significant milestone in the advancement of mission-critical communication technology within Belgium.

The grant will enable RideOnTrack to expand development of its MCX (Mission Critical Communication) technology platform, designed for environments where reliability, security, and operational continuity are paramount. The technology serves multiple mission-critical user groups and ecosystems, addressing the evolving needs of organizations transitioning from legacy communication networks to modern broadband solutions.


Supporting the Evolution from Legacy to Next-Generation Networks

The project focuses on developing key building blocks of RideOnTrack's MCX technology stack, addressing a critical industry need as mission-critical organizations migrate from legacy 2G, GSM-R, and TETRA networks toward next-generation 5G broadband mission-critical communications. These advancements are particularly relevant for public safety agencies, defense organizations, and other critical service providers requiring uncompromising communication reliability.

The scope of the project extends to FRMCS (Future Railway Mobile Communication System), a railway-specific communication layer that builds upon MCX capabilities. This component supports the rail sector's strategic evolution beyond GSM-R, ensuring the industry can leverage modern communication technologies while maintaining the specialized requirements of railway operations.

 

Strategic Local Development

RideOnTrack emphasized the strategic importance of developing mission-critical communication technology locally. Building this capability within Belgium not only strengthens local expertise but also establishes long-term knowledge centers in a domain where trust and security are non-negotiable factors.

On their website, the company expressed appreciation for VLAIO's confidence in their research and development roadmap, as well as recognition for Leyton's support in developing the grant proposal.
This funding represents Belgium's continued commitment to fostering innovation in critical communication technologies, positioning the country as a key player in the development of next-generation mission-critical communication solutions for Europe and beyond.