Digital Catapult onboards seven new companies to bridge the gap between
digital and physical worlds
Posted 7 Feb 2023
Digital Catapult, in collaboration with global technology solutions provider Arrow Electronics, has onboarded a select cohort of pioneering companies for its Futurescope Virtualisation and Cyber Physical Systems programme, to provide new opportunities through a digitally enabled environment which uses advanced immersive technologies to solve real life challenges.
As part of the programme, each of the seven startups will work to overcome specific challenges in the sphere of virtualisation – the use of technology to model, understand, communicate and connect the digital and physical worlds. This includes the design of garments, accessibility of entertainment, and access to training, as well as developing new technologies that will further bridge the gap between virtual and real life environments, to benefit business and industry
The innovative solutions in development on the programme will have a real-world impact, such as operating robots remotely using Extend Robotics’ VR technology to improve workplace safety, and developing footwear that can emulate the vibrations of live music with GroundWaves’ haptic technology. The Futurescope Virtualisation and Cyber-Physical Systems programme is a 16-week programme targeted at pre-scale or early scaling stage companies with a focus on digital twins, the metaverse, and groundbreaking virtual production techniques.
Digital Catapult, the UK authority on advanced digital technology, will provide the new cohort with business and investment health-scans, as well as one-to-one growth coaching and mentorship from industry and investment experts. Each company will also receive ongoing insight and counsel from Arrow and will be granted access to cutting-edge technology and resources.
Arrow has long-standing experience in supporting startups worldwide, and the company’s engineering support will help the startups to transform innovative ideas into new technologies. Arrow’s supply chain capabilities will also allow the startups to ramp up and scale.
This programme will allow every participating company to develop and commercialise their products and services, with a view to being investment-ready by the end of the programme.
The virtual reality and production industries are rapidly growing, with many experts predicting that they will become major drivers of UK economic growth in the coming years, as growth is predicted to reach £62.5 billion by 2030.
Commenting on the new cohort, Jessica Driscoll, Director of Immersive Technology at Digital Catapult said:
“This programme is an exciting opportunity for companies in the virtual reality
and production sectors to take their business to the next level, and to showcase how they
plan to tackle some of the most significant challenges in the space.
We believe that the expertise, resources and networking opportunities provided by the
Futurescope Virtualisation and Cyber-Physical Systems programme will not only help the
participating companies grow, but also provide an avenue to drive industry growth in the UK
and beyond.”
CuteCircuit combines cutting-edge fashion design with emerging technologies and smart fabrics to design garments with interactive capabilities. The company holds a number of patents in the field of wearable technology, such as 3D Spatial Audio, Haptics for Augmented Reality, Interactive Luminous Garments, and Sensor Enhanced Fabric constructions.
Focal Point VR is a world leader in the field of immersive telepresence. The company has developed proprietary technology capable of capturing, delivering and playing live stream 360 video at resolutions beyond that of any competitor. Focal Point VR offers a nonlinear live stream 360 video platform which delivers presence at live events for remote viewers using VR headsets.
RideCommerce is developing a freight mobility platform that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms to optimise routes and increase shipments. Ride Mobility is a freight mobility platform for vans and trucks, providing a navigation technology solution using Android Auto/Apple Car applications.
Virtual Speech is an award-winning soft skills training platform, with a focus on communication skills such as public speaking, sales, and leadership. The company uses virtual reality to simulate various sized audiences and distractions, resulting in an effective way to practise public speaking and build skills and confidence for the real world.
Extend Robotics aims to extend remote working into the physical domain by optimising human capabilities beyond physical presence. The company builds VR- based immersive human robot interface software to enable non-robotic experts to intuitively operate commercial robots from remote locations.
GroundWaves has developed haptic footwear that enables people to capture the live music experience in a new and exciting way, hearing the music in their ears while they get the feeling of vibration, in their feet.
SpaceForm uses metaverse technology to transform how design is communicated to any audience, anywhere. Optimised for architecture, real estate and engineering workflows, it improves and speeds up decision making by immersing groups of stakeholders together in the same virtual space.