What Selectron does

Selectron Systems AG is a Switzerland-based specialist in Train Control and Management Systems (TCMS) for rail vehicles, founded in 1956 in Lyss and operating today as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Knorr-Bremse Group. The company's core offering is a modular, safety-critical embedded electronics platform combining control units (each capable of running up to three independent virtual PLCs), Smartio remote I/O systems, function modules, human-machine interfaces, and TCMS software including the Symphony Suite. Layered on top of the control platform is a cybersecurity stack built around security-by-design and defense-in-depth principles, comprising a Threat Detection Solution, Security Gateway, Public Key Infrastructure, and Cyber Resilience Act compliance offerings. Selectron is certified to EN 61508 SIL 3, EN 50129 SIL 2, EN 50128 SIL 2, IEC 62443 SL 2, ISO/TS 22163 (IRIS), and TÜV, and its products equip more than 10,000 rail vehicles worldwide.

The company serves three primary customer segments: rail vehicle manufacturers (OEMs) integrating TCMS into new builds, rail operators requiring retrofit, maintenance, and cybersecurity upgrades for in-service fleets, and system integrators deploying Selectron components within broader rail automation projects. Selectron's revenue model is project-based hardware and software sales with recurring lifecycle support revenue; pricing is quote-based and bespoke, reflecting the customization required per train program. Distribution is exclusively direct enterprise field sales, increasingly coordinated through Knorr-Bremse's global Rail Vehicle Systems network. In January 2026, Knorr-Bremse finalized the acquisition of duagon AG and merged it with Selectron into the newly established Smart Electronics business unit, combining roughly 1,000 specialized rail electronics experts and significantly expanding the combined TCMS, networking, and software footprint.

Name

Selectron

Legal name

Selectron Systems AG

Website

http://www.selectron.ch/de/index.php

Company type

Private

Founded year

1956

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Selectron Systems AG is a Switzerland-based specialist in Train Control and Management Systems (TCMS) and rail cybersecurity, supplying modular embedded electronics, software, and security solutions to rail OEMs, operators, and system integrators worldwide under Knorr-Bremse Group ownership.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Rail Vehicle Automation Electronics

NAICS

Relay and Industrial Control Manufacturing (335314)

SIC

Railroad Equipment (3743), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial Control Panels & Enclosures (Panel Building, MCCs, Integration) (IMAGABAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Rail Communications & Control Systems Operations (GSM-R/FRMCS, Radio Dispatch) (TLAJAEAG), Embedded & Compute Modules (SoMs, COM Express/SMARC, industrial SBC modules) (IMAGAJAK), Industrial Control Cabinets & Power Distribution (Panels, Switchgear for Automation) (IMAHAHAK)

Keywords

• Rail vehicle automation
• Train control systems
• Railway cybersecurity
• Embedded rail electronics
• Communication technology rail

Headquarters

HQ city

Lyss

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Rail Vehicle Electronics and Software Sales: Selectron generates revenue through the sale of hardware components (control units, remote I/O, function modules, HMIs, relays, communication technology) and associated software (TCMS software, cybersecurity solutions, Symphony Suite) to rail vehicle manufacturers, operators, and system integrators. Revenue is project-based and recurring as vehicles require maintenance, updates, and lifecycle support.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Selectron designs, manufactures, and integrates embedded electronics and software for rail vehicle automation, centered on its Train Control & Management System (TCMS). The portfolio includes programmable control units, modular remote I/O, HMIs, communication backbone nodes and switches, relays, and a dedicated rail cybersecurity suite (threat detection, security gateway, PKI, CRA compliance). Offerings are sold as configurable project-based systems to rail vehicle manufacturers, operators, and system integrators worldwide, with more than 10,000 rail vehicles equipped with Selectron products.

Product overview

Selectron offers a modular, integrated product portfolio for rail vehicle automation and safety, centered around Train Control & Management Systems (TCMS). The core TCMS platform comprises control units (with support for up to three independent virtual PLCs), Smartio® remote I/O systems, function modules, human machine interfaces, and dedicated software. This core system is complemented by cybersecurity solutions (Threat Detection, Security Gateway, PKI, and CRA compliance), communication technology (train backbone nodes, switches, repeaters, and converters), and relays. All products share a common architecture approach emphasizing safety, security, and interoperability, with over 10,000 rail vehicles currently operating with Selectron products worldwide.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Train Control & Management Systems (TCMS) Selectron's flagship modular and scalable TCMS platform for rail vehicle automation, integrating control units, remote I/O, HMIs, and software into a coordinated automation system adaptable to individual customer requirements. Targeted at rail vehicle manufacturers, operators, and system integrators.
• Control Units Programmable control units for rail vehicle automation and management. Capable of running up to three independent virtual PLCs in a single hardware unit, reducing hardware footprint and enabling parallel control applications.
• Smartio® Remote Input / Output Systems Modular remote input/output systems for distributed sensing and actuation in rail vehicles, configurable to customer requirements for flexible system design.
• Function Modules Modular function blocks for expanding TCMS capabilities and tailoring automation behavior in rail vehicle applications.
• Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) Operator interfaces and displays for train control and monitoring, allowing crew interaction with TCMS and onboard subsystems.
• TCMS Software (Symphony Suite) Software solutions for train control and management systems, including the Symphony Suite for configuration and cockpit functionality of TCMS deployments.
• Threat Detection Solution (TDS) Cybersecurity threat detection solution for rail vehicle onboard systems, identifying and mitigating cyber threats in real time. Built by Selectron's Center of Competence for cybersecurity.
• Security Gateway Security gateway for rail vehicle networks, providing secure interconnects between onboard systems and external networks to enforce security boundaries.
• Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) PKI solution for rail vehicle cybersecurity, enabling secure identity management and encrypted communications across onboard and ground systems.
• Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) Compliance Solution Solutions and guidance package for achieving compliance with the EU Cyber Resilience Act for rail vehicles, addressing evolving cybersecurity regulation.
• Train Backbone Nodes and Gateways Network nodes and gateways for train communication backbone infrastructure, interconnecting train systems over standardized rail communication protocols.
• Switches and Repeater Industrial-grade network switches and repeaters for reliable, fault-tolerant train communication networks.
• Converter Communication protocol converters for integrating different subsystems and protocols within rail vehicles.
• Relays Electromechanical and electronic relays for rail vehicle control and protection applications, drawing on Selectron's heritage in timing and control relays.
• Cybersecurity Services Professional services delivering security-by-design and defense-in-depth solutions for legacy and new rail systems, including consulting, implementation, and training for rail vehicle manufacturers, operators, and system integrators.
• Rail Cybersecurity Trainings Training programs covering all aspects of cybersecurity for rail vehicle manufacturers, operators, and system integrators, delivered through Selectron's Center of Competence for cybersecurity.

Quantifiable outcome

• More than 10,000 rail vehicles equipped with Selectron products worldwide
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• Cummins AustraliaflagshipTechnology or Integration · 12 April 2026Cummins Australia ordered 40 Selectron control units for use in traction control systems on Alstom VLocity trains operating in Victoria, Australia. This contract represents the first joint commercial success following duagon's integration into Knorr-Bremse's Rail Vehicle Systems division, combining Selectron's and duagon's capabilities. The collaboration involved teams from both Selectron and duagon organizations.
• Alstom (VLocity trains)flagshipTechnology or Integration · 12 April 2026Alstom's VLocity regional trains operating in Victoria, Australia are equipped with Selectron control units for traction control systems, supplied via Cummins Australia. This is a reference deployment demonstrating Selectron's technology in passenger rail vehicles.
• Knorr-Bremse GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 January 2026Knorr-Bremse Group is Selectron's parent company. Selectron was integrated into the Knorr-Bremse Group in 2015 and became an Independent Business Unit in the Knorr-Bremse Group: Computing & Communication in 2023. In 2026, Knorr-Bremse acquired duagon AG and integrated it, together with Selectron, into the newly established Smart Electronics business unit. This integration combines Selectron's and duagon's capabilities in embedded electronics, software, and communication technology, creating a strengthened global rail electronics platform.
• duagon AGcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 January 2026Duagon AG (Switzerland-based, with a location in Dietikon) is a leading supplier of electronics, hardware, and software solutions for the rail industry. In January 2026, Knorr-Bremse finalized the acquisition of duagon and integrated it with Selectron into the newly established Smart Electronics business unit. The first joint commercial success following this integration was the order for 40 Selectron control units from Cummins Australia. The combined entity brings ~1,000 specialized experts together, with duagon demonstrating ~15% CAGR between 2022–2025 and projected ~16% EBIT margin in 2026.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• ABB: Provides traction, power, and automation systems for rail vehicles including onboard control. Overlaps with Selectron in industrial automation, motor/control electronics, and rail cybersecurity adjacencies.
• Alstom: Major rail OEM with proprietary signaling and train control solutions, and a direct Selectron customer via the VLocity program. Competes as both supplier and customer across TCMS, traction control, and rail digitalization.
• Hitachi Rail: Global rail signaling, rolling stock, and digital train control provider (incorporating Ansaldo STS). Competes with Selectron in TCMS, signaling, and rail cybersecurity for both passenger and freight rail.
• Siemens Mobility: Division of Siemens AG offering integrated rail automation, signaling, and TCMS solutions to global rail OEMs and operators. Directly competes with Selectron in onboard train control and rail cybersecurity while bundling a much broader portfolio.
• Thales: Global rail signaling and train control specialist with significant European footprint. Competes with Selectron in onboard control, signaling, and rail communications, particularly for safety-critical applications.

Direct peers

• duagon AG: Switzerland-based supplier of embedded electronics, hardware, and software for rail vehicles. Now combined with Selectron in Knorr-Bremse's Smart Electronics business unit, but historically the most direct head-to-head peer in onboard rail electronics.
• EKE Electronics: Finland-based specialist in train control and management systems (TCMS), fleet management, and rail electronics. Closest like-for-like niche TCMS competitor to Selectron, particularly for passenger rolling stock.
• Kontron: Provider of embedded computing platforms, HMIs, and communication modules for rail and industrial automation. Competes directly with Selectron's control units, train backbone nodes, and gateway products.
• MEN Mikro Elektronik: German manufacturer of rugged embedded computing and networking modules for rail, industrial, and safety-critical applications. Comparable to Selectron's embedded control units and communication technology offerings.

Emerging players

• Eurotech: Provider of embedded boards, edge computing, and IoT gateways for rail and industrial applications. Overlaps with Selectron's embedded compute, communication, and cybersecurity-adjacent modules.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCVaaudNMflPcHPtEKnajPjg
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/selectron-systems-ag

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Selectron