SOUTHERN MANUFACTURING
100 TM
Mark Preston, team principal, TECHEETAH Formula E racing team
Mark Preston outlined the changes currently taking place in motor racing, set against the backdrop of a growing global need for clean energy and mass transportation solutions for mega cities.
“Clean air is very important, but you can’t touch or feel CO₂.”
Preston outlined the importance of Formula E (electric cars) as a standard bearer for clean energy, explaining the differences to his previous F1 teams.
Formula E: • Similar to F1 - races take place globally with teams of two drivers
• Each driver has two cars, but only minimal work is allowed on them between races
Preston went on to explain the huge surge in popularity in Formula E; in TEECHEETAH’s third season of racing there were already nine manufacturers involved, whereas previously there had been virtually no interest from the big car makers.
This appreciation by the automotive industry of the truly innovative qualities of Formula E, is reflected in the keenness of ‘mega- cities’ (defined as the largest 600 in the world) to embrace new technology for clean energy, mass transportation solutions. For example, some solutions are already being implemented – charging points built into existing city infrastructure (Hong Kong), and mega- buses where metros are not practical (Mexico City) – while other innovations, such as autonomous vehicles, will one day be a feature, especially given that labour traditionally represents 70% of public transport operating costs.
The importance of autonomous driving is already reflected in the popularity of the Roborace series which introduces driverless electric technology to existing Formula E circuits, and although physical drivers are unlikely to be replaced in the near future, developers are already looking to introduce ‘personalities’ to the autonomous vehicles … so watch this space.
Mark Evans, co-founder and CEO, Adaptix
Mark Evans outlined how Adaptix had already begun to revolutionise the relatively staid world of traditional X-rays by utilising space- heritage technology to construct flat panel, portable, low-cost, 3D digital imaging equipment.
“Research is all about turning money into science; Innovation involves turning science into money.”
Evans explained Adaptix’s technology in detail and sketched out its journey from original inception through to the current position; a team of 15 people based at Begbroke Science Park in Oxfordshire, with the company named life sciences winner of the European Venture Contest in 2011 and one of UKTI’s top 20 early-stage health-tech companies in 2012.
Given the lack of digital imaging firms in the UK, Adaptix’s sales are all to export markets, which does place it in a potentially sensitive position depending upon the outcomes of Brexit negotiations, but Evans stressed the desire to ‘put back’ into the local economy:
“We want to be a catalyst for the region, in the same way as Oxford Instruments was.”
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – APRIL 2017
businessmag.co.uk
47
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