Discover Benelux | Business | Successful Belgian Start-Ups
Mapping the data Many organisations are looking for a way to showcase and give access to their geographical data streams. At Nazka Mapps they combine those data streams and create smart, interactive maps and locationbased applications. “All your data visible at one glance,” says Han Tambuyzer, co-founder at Nazka Mapps. “We create location-based solutions to showcase your data streams, whether it is about planning and zoning, climate or healthcare. We take all those (geographical) data streams and combine them in one, to present real-time data on interactive smart maps or location-based applications,” explains Tambuyzer. “One of our maps, for instance, combines data on job openings, the companies where the openings are and the accessibility of those companies by car, bike or public transportation.” Instead of someone researching that one step at the time, it is now shown on one interactive smart map. The maps and applications of Nazka Mapps are being used in all kinds of projects that add
TEXT: MICHIEL STOL | PHOTOS: NAZKA MAPPS
value to society. During the Ebola crisis, their maps were integrated in official monitoring systems. Ebola infections on the ground were reported and visualised in real time in the areas of the initial outbreak. Analysts could therefore use this map to anticipate how the spread of the disease would progress. “Our solutions are easy to work with and can be customised to our client’s needs,” tells Tambuyzer. “Our fast-growing and dedicated team works with you to create, analyse and maintain your data streams. We want our maps to help you and communities all over the world.”
www.nazka.be info@nazka.be
You always have a friend in Amicimi TEXT: MICHIEL STOL | PHOTOS: AMICIMI
Have you ever felt uncomfortable when alone and felt the need to let somebody know your whereabouts? The Amicimi app does that for you. It can even contact the emergency services, if necessary. “It is your friend in need,” says co-founder Frederic van Quickenborne. “Amicimi is an app on your smartphone that, if needed, can let people know where you are,” explains Van Quickenborne. “You activate it with a remote control. With one push of the remote, it starts the app and, if necessary, alarms security company Securitas. So you don’t have to find your phone first and open it. That is what the remote is for.” It then automatically sends your details and location to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) and starts a sound recording. When needed, the ARC contacts the emergency services. Another innovative feature of Amicimi is FollowMe. With this, you can let Amicimi con42 | Issue 37 | January 2017
tact your friends after a certain period of time like, for example, when you should have arrived at your destination. If you are not there and do not answer the check-up call to you, it sends a text to your friends. A practical use for this is checking someone has got home after a night out, as well as being beneficial for travellers in unstable regions. The system can be used anywhere in the world. As long as you have a mobile internet connection, you can use the app. “With Amicimi we want people to feel safe again when they are alone. With it, you will always have a friend with you,” concludes Van Quickenborne. www.amicimi.com