Cyber security expert aims high with rapid expansion
A cyber security expert from Ukraine has built a base in Sunderland, and is aiming for rapid expansion that will see his business create 10 new jobs this year.
Dr Igor Kotsiuba, who relocated to the North East under a Global Talent Visa, has launched Healthymity Limited, which aims to support AI and decisionmaking in the health and medicine fields for frontline professionals.
The company has taken office space at Sunderland Software Centre, and Igor hopes to quickly scale up – having bid to the European Commission Horizon Framework Programme to get a share of €95.5bn worth of projects to help tackle climate change, meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and boost the EU’s competitiveness and growth.
The entrepreneur believes that Healthymity could begin its recruitment drive within two months.
Igor says he chose to relocate to the North East to launch his new venture after visiting the area, meeting another entrepreneur based at the SoftwareCentre and being impressed with the facilities.
He added: “When I came to Sunderland and saw the Software Centre, I immediately wanted to be based there.
"It is a great space – and flexible enough to support me as my business grows.”
Igor is working alongside co-founder, Professor Inna Skarga-Bandurova, a researcher on AI and computer vision at Oxford Brookes University.
They are hoping to use links with local universities to build a team.
Patrick Melia, chief executive of Sunderland City Council, said he is delighted that Dr Kotsiuba has chosen to make Sunderland the base for his business.
He said: “Sunderland has grown a strong knowledge economy, with exceptional facilities like the Software Centre proving to be attractive to businesses seeking a collaborative environment that nurtures talent and supports businesses to succeed.
“It’s fantastic that Healthymity has chosen to make Sunderland its home.
“We look forward to supporting Dr Kotsiuba as he grows this business.”