Critical Software and Stadler launch new joint venture, Stadler Digital Labs, focused on railway software

The joint venture will have a shareholding structure of 51% Stadler and 49% Critical Software, which will act as the strategic founding partner, responsible for establishing the engineering, safety, cybersecurity, and innovation foundations. The new company will have one office in Coimbra and another in Lisbon, the latter located within Critical Software's facilities, and will begin operations with a team of 100 people, with the goal of reaching 300 employees over the next three years. Rogério Gomes will serve as CEO of the new organization.

"Stadler Digital Labs reflects the strategic alignment between two organizations with converging visions regarding innovation, safety, and the modernization of the railway sector. Rail is not only a highly relevant area for the growth of the Portuguese economy, but also for the development of a safe and interoperable European mobility ecosystem. The collaboration between these two companies will bring together Critical Software's and Stadler's expertise in engineering and innovation for rail," said Rogério Gomes, CEO of Stadler Digital Labs.

The focus of Stadler Digital Labs will be to provide scalable engineering capacity and deliver end-to-end solutions in railway software, cybersecurity, and digital products. This model enables asset reuse, process standardization, and effective knowledge sharing, combining deep domain specialization with modern development practices already proven by Critical Software in other safety-critical industries.

"This joint venture emerges from two of Critical Software's most important pillars: trust and innovation. Our experience in critical software engineering, complex systems, and deep tech development will help bring Stadler's ambitious vision for the railway and mobility sector to life. Creating joint ventures like this one, with high added value and strong growth potential, is a powerful way for us to serve our purpose and respond to what matters most to us: helping to build a better and safer world," said Gonçalo Quadros, Chairman of Critical Software.

With a strong legacy in delivering critical software since 1998, Critical Software is a reference in embedded software development, certification support services, and verification and validation of critical systems in the railway sector, as well as in other areas such as defense, space, and medical devices.