APC Spokes recognised among the world’s top academic institutions

Earlier this year the APC Spoke community announced the launch of the world’s first network of virtual testing facilities, a £3.4 million project allowing the automotive industry to significantly reduce the research and development process of low-carbon propulsion technologies – resulting in significant cost savings enabling innovative SMEs to thrive.

 Head of National Network Programmes, Mike Woodcock said:

We are extremely proud and would like to pass on our congratulations to our colleagues at University of Warwick, University of Nottingham, University of Newcastle and University of Loughborough. Our Spoke Community aims to bring together academia and industry to share best practice, expertise and facilities in the UK and currently consists of nearly 600 organisations coordinated by six of the UK’s top universities across the country – it is great to see them recognised as some of the best academic institutions in the world.

As well as building these communities the Spokes are engaged in identifying key trends for future technologies and in engaging all levels of the supply chain to build UK capability in low carbon vehicle production

Called MUSTER, the virtual testing facility removes the financial and logistical barriers often faced by SMEs when developing new technologies. The facility gives smaller organisations access to the latest physical and virtual testing equipment, and allows them to test prototypes at an early stage of development, saving time and cost in the long term. The open access system is also designed to give SMEs the edge and remain competitive, helping their innovations to reach the commercialisation stage.

Created in a unique partnership between government and industry, the APC exists to position the UK as a centre of excellence for low carbon propulsion development and production. It provides access to £1 billion funding to support the collaboration between organisations that have innovative technologies with companies that can bring them to market.