ExIST discusses smart travel

The Exeter Initiative for Science and Technology (ExIST), a subgroup of Exeter Chamber of Commerce, hosted its second event of the year at Sandy Park Conference Centre this month.

In partnership with the Satellite Applications Catapult, the theme of April’s quarterly event was a fusion of transport and space.

The South West has been selected as a Centre of Excellence by the Satellite Applications Catapult which will promote innovation through business led collaborations between scientists, engineers and commercial partners. Expanding on this was Dr Andrew Dean from Innovation Impact and Business at University of Exeter. Delegates were able to discover how their organisation could benefit from satellite technologies and their applications through an exciting new regional initiative.

Sean McCarthy, Head of Market Facing Programmes, Satellite Applications Catapult took attendees through the discovery of how satellite applications and services can deliver ground-breaking solutions to transport issues. Intelligent Transport is used for road, rail and air and sea. It is a critical factor in economic growth and development, as poor transportation limits a nation's ability to utilise its natural resources, distribute foods and other finished goods and supply education.

Dr Sal Lampkin from College of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Exeter spoke to attendees about Exeter University working in collaboration with City and County Councils as well as four commercial partners led by NTT Data, a leading global IT services provider, to complete a ground-breaking, two year intelligent transport project for the area.  By doing this outcome-focused project, the group aims to identify solutions that will relieve traffic congestion in and around Exeter.

Finally, Tony Harbron, Marketing Director of Ashwoods Automotive and Lightfoot presented Lightfoot® which is a small device that listens to the engine in a vehicle and nudges the driver to make sure it's being driven efficiently. This results in fuel saving, cutting accidents and lowering emissions.

ExIST Exeter hosts quarterly events throughout the year on various subjects that are at the forefront of innovation.

ExIST will also be launching its first newsletter in May this year. This newsletter will be a bi-monthly addition and will highlight future events, news and features from past speakers as well as exciting new developments within the sector of Science and Technology. For further information about the newsletter or future events, please call the Exeter Chamber office on 01392 431133.