Justin Ott, CEO, Spark Technology (pictured) writes:
That’s why we’re delighted to announce that we’ve joined the Advanced Propulsion Centre’s (APC’s) 18 month Technology Developer Accelerator Programme (TDAP). This not only gives us access to grant funding of up to £104,500 but also provides us with long-term support from industry experts that will help us identify opportunities and accelerate the commercialization of our innovative, AI-based journey prediction and map display software. Read the full announcement from the APC here.
By using journey data from electric vehicles combined with our machine learning algorithms, our software delivers journey predictions that are over 10x more accurate than existing systems. This reduces range and time anxiety from drivers – identified as one of the biggest global obstacles to EV adoption.
Against the backdrop of the current COVID-19 crisis, it is really positive to see continued UK government investment in future propulsion technologies that will drive a low-carbon future. Focusing on emerging technologies such as Spark now will accelerate progress so that we are able to exploit our innovation once we move out of lockdown.
Accelerating commercialisation in the global automotive market
We have already proven the benefits of our software through over 10,000km of real-world trials across a wide range of electric vehicle brands, terrains and driving styles with the likes of BP, Hyundai and Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance. Joining the TDAP is the next step in our commercial journey, enabling us to access the resources we need to scale within the automotive supply chain and bring our product to mass-market adoption.
Getting onto this competitive programme highlights the potential impact of our technology to drive lasting change. Commenting on our selection, TDAP Manager from the Advanced Propulsion Centre, Josh Denne said: “We are delighted to be working with Spark as part of our Technology Developer Accelerator Programme (TDAP). At the APC we are committed to working with micro, small and medium organisations developing innovative low-carbon technologies. Companies such as Spark play a crucial role in the automotive industry’s net zero carbon future. By supporting them at the beginning of their journey we hope to ensure their innovative technology becomes commercially viable.”