Fusion Processing, the Bristol tech firm developing cutting-edge automated drive systems, has appointed Nick Sturge, the former director of the city’s pioneering Engine Shed innovation hub, as its non-executive chairman.
Fusion Processing’s technology is being used in a number of leading autonomous vehicle trials, including driverless buses, while its innovative advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) products are replacing cumbersome wing mirrors on HGVs and buses with high-resolution optical cameras. 
Since its launch in 2012, the firm has become a world leader in automated driving systems, situational awareness and control systems technology. Its products have clocked up more than 2m kilometres of service.
Nick, pictured, joins the board alongside CEO Jim Hutchinson, CFO Ian Selwood and marketing director Jim Fleming.
As a Chartered Director and strategic advisor Nick has a strong background in developing technologies and supporting businesses on their growth trajectories.
Fusion Processing said he was well placed to help it expand into new high-growth sectors such as automating freight, logistics and local delivery vehicles.
Jim Hutchinson said: “We’re delighted to have Nick join the board. His experience and enthusiasm for innovative technology will help maintain our momentum within some of the world’s most-exciting and complex autonomous vehicle programmes.” 
These include CAVForth, pictured, a project led by Fusion in partnership with Stagecoach Group, Alexander Dennis, Transport Scotland, Napier University and the Bristol Robotics Lab, which is on track to deploy a bus service carrying up to 10,000 passengers per week later this year, and MultiCAV, a project with First Group and Oxfordshire County Council to trial autonomous electric last-mile passenger services on the Milton Park science and technology campus.
Nick added: “I’m joining Fusion Processing at a very exciting time. The company is at the leading edge of autonomous projects and operating the very highest standards of safety.
“I’m looking forward to being part of the autonomous vehicle revolution as we lead project CAVForth and begin carrying members of the public on full sized autonomous buses later this year.”
Nick, who was awarded an MBE in the 2019 Queen’s Birthdays Honours for his services to the digital economy, has been a pivotal figure in Bristol’s tech sector for more than two decades.
He is widely regarded as having helped create a vibrant ecosystem through his roles at Engine Shed and for more than 10 years as centre director of Bristol’s world-leading SETsquared incubator.
He has a strong track record as a company director, entrepreneur, innovator and connector having co-founded a technology start-up which listed on the London Stock Exchange and served on the boards of several start-ups, established companies and third sector organisations.
He also chaired the Institute of Directors’ South West region for three years. Since leaving his post at Engine Shed in November 2019 he has taken on a number of non-executive director and consultancy roles.
