From emissions to social equality: the Silicon Valley spin on start-up nurture

Think high-tech innovation, think Silicon Valley. As the digital revolution spreads to the automotive industry, a growing number of transport-related companies are flocking to the region. From small start-ups to global car manufacturers, everyone wants to be where the action is. For the newest arrivals, though, a helping hand may be required.

Enter Prospect Silicon Valley (ProspectSV), a clean-tech innovation hub at the centre of this thriving talent pool. "We help start-ups take emerging technology, prove that it’s commercially deployable and bring it to market," explained Chief Executive Ruth Cox. ProspectSV's corporate sponsors tend to be companies with an interest in new technologies being developed for advanced mobility, energy efficiency and clean power. Corporate sponsors underwrite much of the work, and include such global automotive names as Ford and SAIC.