IAAPS - University of Bath

The Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS) is a world-class R&D facility that is purpose-built to accelerate innovation in low-emission vehicle technology. Located on the Bristol and Bath Science Park and led by the University of Bath, this £60m state-of-the-art hub brings academic and industry expertise together to shape the future of clean mobility.

The completed facility supports collaborative research and development with some of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers. From refining high-performance systems to advancing battery and electric propulsion technologies, IAAPS is designed to help the UK lead the transition to net-zero transport.
BIM Technologies were appointed at pre-construction to provide Information Management and BIM Coordination services under main contractor Rydon. With the facility’s complex MEP requirements – divided into Shell & Core and Specialist Fit-Out packages – early-stage 3D coordination was essential to ensure a fully integrated digital design ahead of offsite manufacturing.

Working closely with Rydon, the design team and specialist supply chain partners, BIM Technologies helped deliver a fully federated and highly coordinated digital model. This now forms a complete digital record of the building, supporting future operations and maintenance.
Information management played a key role throughout the process, aligning with the University of Bath’s ambition to digitise the long-term management of this advanced facility. The project team focused on ensuring the digital outputs were structured, accurate and future-ready – meeting both immediate construction goals and long-term operational needs.

With IAAPS now complete, the facility stands as a national centre of excellence in clean automotive research – offering a future-proof platform for collaboration, skills development and technical leadership.