Spark EV – Suffolk Clean Tech start-up selected for global research programme

Newmarket-based Spark EV Technology has been announced as one of just four startups from around the world selected for BP and RocketSpace’s Mobility Tech Innovation Collaborative programme, which brings together the world’s most promising startups and global industry leaders to work together on paid, real-world proof-of-concept (PoC) projects.

Spark won its place on the programme after beating hundreds of global competitors. It has been selected to test and explore partnerships with Avis Budget Group, IBM and Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi during the 12 week programme. Through the Mobility Tech Innovation Collaborative there will be multiple opportunities to test Spark’s AI-based journey prediction software with corporates, potentially leading to expanded pilots, future partnerships or investments.

Spark’s AI-based journey prediction software uses machine learning to help EVs and hybrids go further between charges using live data from the vehicle, driver and atmospherics. These more accurate predictions help remove range anxiety and increase vehicle trust, therefore driving greater adoption of electric vehicles by both businesses and consumers.

Back in February, Spark EV received a £50,000 investment from New Anglia Capital as part of its seed investment round to expand business development.

Justin Ott, CEO of Spark EV Technology, said “The Mobility Tech Innovation Collaborative program is the perfect fit for our technology and aims, helping us put our technology in the hands of leading companies, show real world benefits and extend our network, driving our growth,”

“By collaborating with BP and other industry leaders we can accelerate development and adoption of our AI-based technology to ultimately help drive greater EV adoption.”

“I see RocketSpace as a win-win for everyone involved. For startups, it provides the opportunity to work with BP to test their products and services in our environment. For BP, we get to experiment with new products and services that could help us transform mobility and ensure we are positioned to meet the needs of customers now and into the future,” said Roy Williamson, vice president of BP’s advanced mobility.

New, tested solutions will be presented at a Demo Day in December 2018.

BP established its advanced mobility unit to pursue emerging trends, technologies and opportuntities in the future of transportation.

RocketSpace is a global ecosystem of people and ideas that provides the necessary velocity — both speed and direction — to help the world’s top innovators bring the future to market. Founded in San Francisco in 2011, its global network of technology campuses and services are designed to help tech startups scale. RocketSpace also helps corporations fuel their continuous growth by tapping into its ecosystem of top startups from around the world. Learn more at rocketspace.com.

https://newanglia.co.uk/suffolk-clean-tech-start-up-selected-for-global-research-programme/