A Suffolk start-up has beat off competition from hundreds of global competitors and been selected to take part in a 12-week initiative to test real-world proof-of-concept projects with industry leading firms.
Newmarket-based Spark EV Technology, which develops software for the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) sector, has been chosen as one of just four newly-launched businesses from around the world to take part in a collaborative programme organised by energy firm BP and RocketSpace, a consultancy that helps accelerate tech start-ups.
Spark EV, which launched last year, makes a system that aims to improve the accuracy of predictions for the range of electric vehicles. It analyses live driver, vehicle and other data, such as the weather and congestion, and involves a combination of sensor technology, cloud-based machine learning analysis software and a smartphone app.
The system allows fleet managers or drivers to enter their proposed journey and get advice on whether they will be able to complete it - based on the live data, experience from previous trips and charge point locations - and uses artificial intelligence (AI) to learn about an individual’s driving habits to further refine its results.
Through the scheme - called the Mobility Tech Innovation Collaborative program - the company will get the opportunity to explore partnerships with global firm such as Avis Budget Group, IBM and Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi.
“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,” said Justin Ott, CEO at Spark EV.
“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.”
The other start-ups taking part are Immense Simulations from Milton Keynes, which uses simulation software to enable decision-making in the logistics sector; US-based Parkofon which has developed an automated parking payment platform; and Fleetonomy, an Israeli start-up that uses AI to help fleet managers find efficiencies.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here