Design Council assists three new digital start-ups from the Isis Software Incubator
2nd October 2014
The programme will teach the start-ups how design can play a key role in developing a vision and strategy for their businesses, developing appealing propositions to attract investment and new customers for products and services.
Design Council has started work with three new ventures from the Isis Software Incubator (ISI) at the University of Oxford’s research commercialisation company, Oxford University Innovation. The ISI supports a cluster of pioneering software ventures in the development of products and services and accelerates them to market.
Each venture will receive coaching and guidance from Neil Gridley, the Design Council’s experienced Design Associate.
Gridley said:
‘We are delighted to start work with three very promising start-ups. Working with Isis, the Design Council’s support will assist with their strategy, strengthen their commercial potential and speed up the commercialisation process. The projects are three very different offerings; I’m looking forward to getting started.’
Through a mixture of workshops and direct support, the programme will teach the decision-makers of the three start-ups how design can play a key role in developing a vision and strategy for their businesses, developing appealing propositions to attract investment and new customers for products and services.
Weird Science Lab is an ‘education-tech’ start-up employing state of the art virtual reality and computerisation technology to bring science education to life. Its latest project includes replicating space station conditions so students can experience what it would be like working in zero gravity. Director Gary Pickholz explains:
‘Our work provides lower costs per student compared to traditional science kits, and the ability to conduct a wide range of experiments beyond the capabilities of a school laboratory. This is the type of technology where science fiction can be applied to science fact.’
Singular Intelligence is developing a big-data analysis interface. CEO and Founder Sarvesh Kumar explains:
‘Data-driven innovations and right-time, actionable insight define the success of business models in the digital economy. Our model links innovations in analytics and big-data technologies with intellectual properties in visual analytics, modelling, machine learning and statistical techniques. Combined with a uniquely customisable and efficient methodology, our product will enable businesses to design, deploy and run analytics they can scale and adapt.’
Alumnest is a mobile-technology solution for higher education institutions that helps them build stronger relationships with their alumni. Currently many institutions lack a comprehensive, direct platform that enables this interaction in a way that is convenient, up to date, easily-accessible and that requires little effort from alumni. Alumnest founder and director Gauthier Dubruel said:
‘With our interactive, cross-platform mobile app, universities can supplement their existing set-up and better leverage their relationship with alumni, who in turn can easily stay connected with their schools and classmates. Alumnest will act as a communications hub for students and a bank of data for events, promotion and fundraising for universities.’
Roy Azoulay, who manages the Isis Software Incubator said:
Press release sign up‘We recognise the ever growing role good design plays in the software space and are delighted by the opportunity to collaborate with Design Council to ensure our ventures implement this as a core part of their strategy.’
