NEWS BYTES
AI COMPANION TO HELP DEMENTIA SUFFERERS
Researchers at the National Robotarium, hosted by Heriot-watt University and the University of Edinburgh, are developing an artificial intelligence (AI) companion that will aid memory recollection, boost confidence and combat depression in people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
Memory loss in people with Alzheimer’s occurs in reverse chronological order, with pockets of long-term memory remaining accessible as the disease progresses. Most rehabilitative care focuses on physical aids and repetitive reminding techniques, while the Robotarium’s Ai-driven approach will focus on personalised storytelling to help bring memories back to the surface.
SENSOR DATA TO HELP DIRECT CROWDS AT THE BEACH
A new tool is to be launched to help visitors to East Lothian’s coast avoid overcrowding and queues.
An innovative, new and practical app using sensor data captured live from 11 of East Lothian Council’s coastal car parks, will allow users to check the “busyness” of these beaches – before setting out or while travelling to a destination.
The Visit East Lothian app, which will be free, will utilise a traffic light system to help visitors and residents avoid busy hotspots. The app also makes it easy to check other nearby locations for users to find a quieter spot.
CREATIVE INFORMATICS RESIDENT ENTREPRENEURS FUNDING
Applications are open for the next round of Creative Informatics resident entrepreneurs. Individuals or start-up companies looking to develop a new product, service or experience using data, can apply for £12,000 of funding, plus mentoring, access to resources and
additional support to get their projects up and running.
Applications close on Wednesday, 20 April at 5pm. The Creative Informatics team can be contacted at creativeinformatics@ed.ac.uk.
ADMINISTRATIVE DATA RESEARCH SCOTLAND INVESTMENT
Administrative Data Research Scotland (ADR Scotland) has been awarded £14.6 million as part of the £90 million Administrative Data Research UK investment by the Economic and Social Research Council.
ADR Scotland combines the expertise of academic researchers with specialists in the Scottish Government’s Data for Research unit.
Together they are transforming how de-identified public sector administrative data in the country is utilised. By conducting secure data linkage research, ADR Scotland’s work is informing policy decisions to help improve the lives of the people of Scotland.
CLEARWATER ANALYTICS CHOSEN TO SUPPORT ATHORA HOLDING
Scottish business Clearwater Analytics has announced Athora Holding, a leading insurance and reinsurance group, has selected it to streamline its operating model and provide a consolidated view of accounting, regulatory, and operational reporting.
Gayatri Raman, president of Europe and Asia at Clearwater Analytics, says: “We are seeing significant consolidation across the insurance and investment management industries. With that comes the need to be able to quickly aggregate data from multiple sources, and then turn that data into information that can be used to drive decision making.”
ENCOMPASS CORPORATION RAISES £25M IN CAPITAL
Scotland-based Encompass Corporation, the provider of intelligently automated Know-your-customer solutions, has announced a new capital raise of £25 million.
The investment comes from a group of investors led by Perennial Partners. The new funding round will help accelerate Encompass’ global growth as well as supporting ongoing product innovation and development at its Glasgow office and other locations.