SETsquared, the University of Bath-backed innovation partnership, has hosted an event for its member firms to help them get into the driving seat for automotive technology.
It invited its start-up companies with a potential link to the auto industry to meet experts from Ford and Visa Europe and other major companies to discuss future technology.
Representatives from 12 SETsquared companies attended the event at the University of Bath’s Innovation Centre, where issues up for discussion included the development of apps and devices for car users and new ways of delivering mobility solutions.
The entrepreneurs had the chance to present their new technologies and receive valuable insight and feedback from Ford and Visa Europe.
SETsquared innovation director Simon Bond said: “This was a successful collaboration between world-renowned businesses and our new technology companies who are creating products and services with an automotive element.
“This is an exciting sector which is not as prevalent as others, but is evolving rapidly.
“SETsquared is proud to be at the forefront of British innovation and manufacturing, particularly important in the current economic climate post-Brexit.”
Ford of Europe business and partner development, connected vehicle and services, Scott Lyons, added: “Today’s new cars offer a moveable software platform which provides exciting opportunities for developers.
“We were pleased to see so many interesting companies from SETsquared with potential for delivering a wide range of valuable technology to the car driver.”
SETsquared, which also includes the universities of Bristol, Exeter, Southampton and Surrey, was last year named as the best in the world after creating 9,000 jobs and contributing £3.8bn to the UK economy in the 13 years ago since its launch.
