MxV Rail and KRRI Forge Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Heavy‑Haul and High‑Speed Rail Innovation

MxV Rail and the Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI) have formalized a strategic partnership to speed innovation and address key technological challenges across the rail sector, the organizations announced.

Collaboration Scope

The agreement commits both organizations to coordinate test-site activity, share institutional knowledge and align engineering expertise. Planned initiatives include shared use of test rolling stock, joint research on digital data asset management and maintenance systems, personnel exchanges for knowledge transfer and workforce development, and co‑developed training programs, seminars and symposiums.

Priority Areas

Heavy‑haul and High‑speed Technologies: Leaders from MxV Rail and KRRI highlighted immediate collaboration on innovations for heavy‑haul and high‑speed rail operations.

Digital Transformation: The partnership will prioritize digital solutions for asset management, predictive maintenance and data integration to support safer, more efficient rail networks.

"This partnership builds on our long history of cooperation and advances our joint work on carbon‑neutral and digital rail technologies," said Kari Gonzales, President and CEO of MxV Rail.

"Through closer collaboration we expect faster, more practical responses to the railway industry's digital transformation, strengthened testing and certification cooperation, and improved national competitiveness," said Myung Sagong, President of KRRI, noting the agreement builds on a 2018 MOU.

Context and Next Steps

According to MxV, the memorandum of understanding was finalized during Rail Research Week 2025, an event that gathered international experts to examine advances in rail technology. MxV Rail also hosted the International Heavy Haul Association conference during the week. The partners plan immediate joint projects and phased exchanges of personnel, testing resources and training curricula.

This story was produced by Jessica Skropanic (jessica.skropanic@redding.com) with assistance from artificial intelligence. Journalists were involved throughout reporting, review and editing. Learn more about the ethical process at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.