>INSIGHT These are just some of the many aspiring entrepreneurs supported by the University of Edinburgh. Find out more on page 6
SMART THINKING
Academics and student entrepreneurs from the University of Edinburgh share their words of wisdom about getting their clever innovations that tap into our senses off the ground (Tip: all were given a helpful push with SMART: SCOTLAND funding)
“Surround yourself with experts you trust – You can’t do it all yourself”
“Follow your instinct, build a team that you respect and go for it!”
Abesh Thakur, Two Big Ears Ltd
Orfeas Boteas, Krotos Ltd
Two Big Ears designs immersive and interactive audio applications and tools, focusing on mobile and emerging technologies. The technology makes it possible to hear a sound from any point in space over any headphones in real-time and has been used in Virtual Reality (VR) projects, such as Bjork’s 2015 retrospective exhibition in New York and her new music video, as well as in Marvel’s Avengers VR experience. www.twobigears.com
Krotos’ unique vocal software processor/ sound design tool, called ‘Dehumaniser’, produces studio-quality sounds of monsters and other imaginary creatures in real time. Dehumaniser is currently achieving great success and is being used by Hollywood studios and AAA game companies around the world, and has been used in feature films, games and television series, such as Avengers: Age of Ultron, Sleepy Hollow and Far Cry 4. www.dehumaniser.com
“Never stop learning. Every day gives you a chance to grow your knowledge. Stay alert for those lessons”
“prioritise where and how to deploy YOUR resources & FILL THE TEAM with people who are better than you at what they do”
Andrew Manches, PlayTalkLearn Ltd
Danny Meaney, Kajeka Ltd
PlayTalkLearn has undertaken research into early learning and new technologies, and developed intelligent blocks that use colour to bring mathematical patterns to life. The product provides an engaging way for children aged two to six to learn mathematics. www.playtalklearn.co.uk
Kajeka supplies big-data solutions to analysts and enterprises. Its groundbreaking analysis tools allow users to reveal hidden relationships in complex data. The software makes it easy to see connections and understand patterns within big data. www.kajeka.com
26 | www.research-innovation.ed.ac.uk
“Don’t lose sight of how you can change lives. It helps keep you going in tough times” Lysimachos Zografos, Parkure Ltd Parkure’s mission is to stop Parkinson’s disease. The company has a living system and Parkinson’s specific assay that can be used to screen drugs that stop the degeneration process of the disease. The assay is ideal for screening novel compounds as well as drug repurposing. www.parkure.co.uk
“plan effectively and communicate clearly; THAT WILL ENSURE everyone is heading in the right direction” Carlos Labra, Particle Analytics Ltd Particle Analytics software offers a user-friendly graphical interface for the preparation of Discrete Element Method (DEM) modelling and advanced postprocessing techniques for the analysis of simulation results. The analysis goes far beyond existing DEM software in allowing users to interrogate particle data. www.particle-analytics.com