Commercial engagements

AVEC can undertake private R&D projects for all types of clients either as a standalone/turnkey activity or as part of your team of partners working under your leadership. These are always very bespoke arrangements, and we recommend an early conversation with one of the AVEC staff to ensure that AVEC, and the wider Cranfield offering, can be leveraged to maximum effect in your project.

These engagements can be anything from simple hire of AVEC test facilities through to a complete development, collaborative R&D programme or commercial research project.

Anonymised examples of past such engagements include:

  • Research, identify, diagnose, and propose solutions to a mysterious driveline NVH issue on a luxury vehicle
  • Complete vehicle energy flow analysis, proposal of improvements and integration with on-vehicle battery system including new BMS functionality
  • Autonomous vehicle dynamics development
  • Tyre and AWD testing for all-terrain vehicles in our sand driving facility and across combinational driving scenarios (tarmac, off-highway, water, loose surfaces etc)

Collaborative R&D projects

AVEC have a long and successful history of participating and leading collaborative innovation projects funded by Innovate UK, Niche Vehicle Network, CCAV and others. For more information and how to explore how AVEC can bring strength, academic rigour and market-ready solutions to your project, please see our Research and Collaborative R&D page.

Incubation

Some companies, particularly SMEs, find that AVEC and the wider Cranfield campus activities are very aligned with their own needs and interests, such that they would like to establish an office or other footprint on campus. This can be accommodated in several ways from the Cranfield/Barclays Eagle Lab to the Cranfield University Business Incubation Centre (CUBIC) and the more technology-focused AVIATE+ and Cranfield Technology Park. AVEC is also keen to discuss tailored solutions for strategic partners of the centre and recommend discussing your needs with the AVEC staff.

Internships

Internships can sometimes be made available within AVEC or our neighbouring centres on campus and will always be bespoke appointments. Therefore, it is recommended to discuss your skills and requirements with the AVEC staff.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

The Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) programme aims to help businesses improve competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the UK knowledge base. Successful KTPs are funded by UK Research and Innovation through Innovate UK as part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy.

A KTP Associate is a graduate with a degree in the relevant field. KTP Associates are employed by a commercial company for the duration of the KTP to manage a project that is strategic to the company’s development and growth.

For more information about becoming an Associate or hosting a KTP within your company, please see the Cranfield KTP web pages or contact the AVEC staff.