An expert in high-tech control and data systems on Formula One racing cars will join digital economy minister Kate Forbes and other invited guests to celebrate the official opening of The Data Lab’s new innovation centre in Aberdeen later today.
The facility, located in the Opportunity North East (One) Tech Hub on Schoolhill, is expected to deliver a major boost to the north east’s growing technology and data science community.
Tonight’s launch event will see Peter van Manen, who secured McLaren Electronic Systems as the official supplier of engine control units to all competitors in Formula One, Nascar and IndyCar racing events, highlighting other industries which can benefit from applying F1’s philosophy and approach.
Mr van Manen said: “Formula One arguably manages change and risk better and more quickly than any industry in the world, and much of this is underpinned by digital technologies.
“The contribution of science, measurement and mathematics to the success of the sport has been tremendous and there is much that can be translated into the energy, water, transport and other important sectors.”
The Data Lab was founded in 2014 as part of Scotland’s Innovation Centres programme. It now has bases in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness.
Together with a network of more than 1,500 companies, public sector organisations, universities and data experts, it is working to make Scotland the global leader in data innovation.
Chief executive Gillian Docherty said: “We are proud to officially launch our new Aberdeen office, and incredibly grateful for the support from the local business community as we set our sights on further growth and impact in the region.
“It is an extremely exciting time just now for technology, data science and AI (artificial intelligence) here in Aberdeen. We’re now based in the very heart of the city’s tech community, which will help us significantly build on the relationships we have forged, while also creating new ones.”
Source: Energy Voice