Eleven local innovators seek to solve industry challenges using deep tech
Posted 21 Jan 2025
Eleven local innovators seek to solve industry challenges using deep-tech
In partnership with Smart Nano NI, a local consortium collaborating to develop game-changing advanced prototyping and smart manufacturing methods to deliver new technologies, Digital Catapult has welcomed eleven companies on a new Technology Access Programme to accelerate the practical application of photonics and future networks for local industry.
Led by Digital Catapult, the Smart Nano NI Accelerator Programmes provide startups and SMEs with access to cutting-edge technology and expertise to leverage deep-tech to develop products and services that address complex industry challenges, drive innovation and enhance business competitiveness.
Over the next 12 weeks, the participating companies will explore how photonics and future networks (including 5G and Narrowband-IoT) technologies can fast-track their technological solutions, from prototype development to market-ready products and services.
The participating companies are:
- DigitalBio Systems – empowering the future of medicine by assisting early and late-stage clinical biotech, vaccine, and cell gene therapy research companies in their journey to digitally transform.
- Falcon Tag – analysis and automation of business processes across supply chains utilising AI.
- Finnebrogue – one of the UK’s premier family-owned food producers, dedicated to pioneering innovation and sustainability in the food industry.
- Flax & Teal – developing innovative solutions and platforms in computational engineering, geospatial analysis, and data science.
- Helix8 – harnessing the power of AI, IoT and data platforms to foster sustainable growth.
- KAIoptix – at the forefront of medical innovation, using advanced AI and photonics to predict cancer and prioritise diagnoses.
- Kolayam – an independent B2B marketplace company dedicated to transforming the hydrogen and manufacturing industries.
- movetru – a wearable, IoT-enabled SportsTech device that revolutionises the way athletes train and perform.
- Sensor IT – specialising in developing and manufacturing solutions for connected devices across the IoT value chain.
- SANYX – leading the charge of innovation in the steam sector, dedicated to reducing energy losses and improving carbon emissions.
- We Bottle – specialise in the manufacturing of high-quality bottles tailored for a diverse range of industries.
Smart Nano NI consortium companies will also provide industry mentoring opportunities and exclusive access to facilities including factory tours. Each company will also receive a customised Technology Adoption Roadmap, outlining clear next steps for post-programme growth and guidance on securing funding through initiatives such as the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund.
Learn more about the Smart Nano NI consortium here.
The programme’s mentoring and bespoke technology adoption roadmap will help us accelerate our innovation journey and strengthen our position in the photonics sector.
Phil Weir Founder, Flax & Teal
Sensor IT is currently developing a range of IoT Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies based on Open RAN. We consider that the Smart Nano NI Technology Access Program perfectly fits into this technology stream and will help us unlock new markets and commercial applications.
Richard Gonzalez Director, Sensor IT
By leveraging the expertise and network offered, we aim to transform our prototype into a market-ready product that solves critical operational challenges across industries.
Emmanuel Tchombe Founder, Falcon Tag
DigitalBio Systems joined the Smart Nano programme to collaborate with the consortium in developing a proof-of-concept application for data governance and management of complex clinical and scientific datasets in clinical Biotech drug development, manufacture, and supply
Mark McKechnie CEO, DigitalBio Systems