The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
University spin-out to offer big data solutions
INFORMATICS: Software makes big data sets easier to manage and analyse
Software developed for more than a decade within Dundee University is being commercialised by a new spin-out company.
Platinum Informatics will provide solutions for the management, visualisation and analysis of large and complex data sets in a wide range of laboratory and industrial environments.
The software was developed by Professor Angus Lamond and his team within the university’s laboratory for quantitative proteomics.
He has formed the company with Rob Kent, who takes on the role of head of software engineering. The firm has built upon software that was created for the analysis of biological big data and intends to develop new products.
Prof Lamond said: “I am delighted that we have now been able to translate the innovative software we have spent over 10 years creating for our academic research to generate tools that help solve the many challenges created by the growth of big data in research, industry and healthcare.
“Our software can now be used by customers around the world to make it easier to manage and analyse large and complex data sets.
“This demonstrates the real commercial value and impact of the worldleading research being conducted by scientists at the University of Dundee.”
Mr Kent added: “We believe that Platinum Informatics can provide the tools that will deliver major impact across industry, healthcare and academia.”
Platinum Informatics will use the cloud to deliver their software to customers around the world.
Professor John Rowan, vice-principal, research, knowledge exchange and wider impact, said: “The work of Prof Lamond and colleagues has been established as world-leading for many years.
“We are always looking to see how the knowledge generated at the university can be applied to create wider economic benefit and jobs, so it is hugely encouraging to see an innovative new company being formed.”
The firm has received a recent SMART: SCOTLAND feasibility grant from Scottish Enterprise.
Dr Wendy Hanson, of Scottish Enterprise, said: “Platinum Informatics is a fantastic example of a young innovative spin-out company with global growth ambition.”