Domin secures DRIVE35 funding for active suspension
Domin, based in Bristol, UK, has secured funding through the UK Government’s DRIVE35 programme for Project Activate, a new initiative to develop next-generation active suspension. Project Activate aims to demonstrate how engineering expertise can enable more efficient, scalable motion control technologies for the transition to zero-emission transport.
The £4 billion DRIVE35 programme is delivered through the UK’s Department for Business and Trade in partnership with the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK and Innovate UK.
“For us, Project Activate is about rethinking what active suspension can be,” stated Simon Jones, CTO of Domin. “By combining advanced software, novel control strategies, lightweight design, and our experience in metal 3D printing, we are developing a system that enables vehicles to do more with less. That means better performance, lower energy demand, and a clearer path to scalable adoption in future vehicles.”
Led by Domin, the project is focused on advancing active suspension technology through the development of an energy-efficient, lightweight system designed for future net-zero vehicles. According to the company, the technology is intended to reduce system mass and energy demand compared to existing active and semi-active suspension systems, with the potential to improve vehicle efficiency, extend driving range and reduce lifecycle emissions, while also enhancing ride comfort and handling.
Project Activate combines a range of advanced engineering disciplines spanning hardware, software and system integration. The programme will incorporate advanced electronics, embedded software, lightweight system integration, metal Additive Manufacturing and optimised control strategies within an integrated suspension architecture. The technology will then be integrated into, and validated on, a demonstration vehicle using digital twin modelling and hardware-in-the-loop testing.
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Domin added that the project is also expected to support the development of a UK-based active suspension supply chain capability. Alongside the vehicle demonstrator, Project Activate is expected to encourage further investment in research, development and manufacturing, while supporting high-value job creation and long-term growth across the automotive sector.
Marcus Pont, CEO of Domin, stated, “At Domin, our mission is to transform motion control, creating systems that last longer, achieve more and use less, for people everywhere. Project Activate is a clear step forward in that mission, enabling breakthrough energy efficiency and lightweight vehicle dynamics. We’re excited to be working through the DRIVE35 programme to help deliver smarter, more efficient vehicles through world-class UK engineering.”
