Napier spin-out’s objects ‘come to life’
A n E d i n b u rg h Na p i e r U n i - versit y spin- out that makes objects come to life with its augmented reality technology is preparing to go to market.
Fledgling firm 3Finer y uses t e c h w h i c h a i m s t o b o o s t customer engagement with remote marketing campaigns by portraying goods, services and venues in new ways. Those behind the venture believe it c o u l d a p p e a l t o b u s i n e s s e s looking for new sales channels during the pandemic.
The twist on traditional augmented reality methods was developed at the universit y’s scho ol of computing over a three-year period by Professor Kenny Mitchell and his former PHD student Dr Llogari Casas.
“Intermediated reality” technology enables “uniquely efficient communication via animation of real objects”. It has b een showcased at international conferences and trade shows, and the growth of the venture has been suppor ted with cash from the ICURE programme and Innovate UK.
T h e s t a r t- u p i s n ow l o o k - ing for people with graphics software and technical artist talent to grow the team “rapidly” in readiness for the final push to get the product market-ready.
Llogari said: “The technology provides a novel way of interacting with products around you and far away, and can be easily integrated with existing software, offering unique interactive experiences.
“It is very exciting to have got the project to this stage, with the backing of the university, and we are now looking to press on with commercialisation.”
ICURE – Innovation to Commercialisation of Universit y Research – granted £45,000 to support six months of market assessment.