Silverstone Technology Cluster member OxDrive – a spin-off of Performance Projects – has won a high-profile award for its innovation in electric drive hubs which are helping agritech and other off-highway sectors.

OxDrive co-founder Chris Horton received the ‘Enabling Innovation for Inspiring Future Engineering & Manufacturing’ award at this month’s Advanced Engineering Show, after pitching against nine other businesses and their technologies before an audience and judging panel.

“The Silverstone Technology Cluster (OxDrive is a member) put our name forward.  Within an hour of pitching we were told we had won!” said Chris.

“It’s a fantastic result for us – the first award for us under the OxDrive name – and it’s great to get that recognition. It’s very hard to undertake innovation, and even more so to achieve industry recognition, but this gives us great momentum and confidence.”

The electric hubs (also know as e-hubs) have been developed by OxDrive in collaboration with Innovate UK since it was founded 18 months ago inside Performance Projects’ premises at Silverstone Park.

Chris added: “This technology is driving the future of agritech by enabling the new types of transport, scanning and robotic vehicles required to run around reliably to deliver services.

“We are focusing predominantly on agritech for the time being, but the e-hubs can also be applied to other off-highway sectors such as construction or forestry – anywhere where a vehicle needs to move about in a harsh or rugged environment.

“We’re delighted with the trials we’ve undertaken and now we’re at the stage where we are looking to ramp up production and sales of units in the field.”

STC CEO Pim van Baarsen said: “OxDrive richly deserve this award from the Advanced Engineering Show and we are delighted for them.

“Their success is a further reflection of just how rich the STC membership is in innovating and pushing the boundaries for the technology industry and its many sectors in the UK.”

By Carl McKellar