‘SmartScent. A portable & compact scent monitoring device housing Altered Carbon’s latest AI-powered chip.’
In the fast-paced world of technology startups, deep tech ventures face unique challenges. Resolving complex technical issues, securing adequate funding, and transitioning from concept to commercial operation demands time, resources, and unwavering patience.
At UWE Bristol, we understand these challenges and have committed to providing long-term support to innovative deep-tech startups. One shining example of this commitment is our partnership with Altered Carbon, a company revolutionizing scent detection technology.
The Altered Carbon Journey
Founded by UWE Bristol alumnus Ali Rohafza, Frazer Barnes and Sam Onwugbenu, Altered Carbon has been on a remarkable journey of growth and innovation. From its early days in UWE Bristol’s Launch Space and Bristol Robotics Laboratory incubators to its current home in our Future Space Innovation Centre, the company has flourished with consistent support from the university. Ali Rohafza affirms this support:
“Without doubt, we would not have been able to achieve what we have without the support of UWE. Our partnership with UWE Bristol has impacted every stage of our journey; mentoring, offices laboratories and workshops, research collaboration, working with students, and finding new staff!”
Today, Altered Carbon boasts a team of 11 staff, with 9 being proud UWE Bristol graduates. This success story exemplifies the power of nurturing talent within the university ecosystem and providing continued support as startups evolve.
Groundbreaking Technology
At the heart of Altered Carbon’s success is its innovative scent detection technology. Using patented graphene chips and an AI platform capable of learning and distinguishing between good and bad scents, the company has developed a system that can detect gases, volatile organic compounds, and complex scent compounds. This technology has wide-ranging applications; from fire detection, food waste management, wound infection and mould detection.
The potential of this technology hasn’t gone unnoticed. Altered Carbon recently closed a £1.3 million investment round, building upon £800,000 of Innovate UK grant finance and previous investments totalling £1 million. This financial backing is a testament to the company’s innovative approach and market potential.
UWE Bristol’s Comprehensive Support
UWE Bristol’s relationship with Altered Carbon spans over six years, demonstrating our commitment to long-term partnerships with promising deep-tech startups.
Our support has been multifaceted, including:
- Start-up support and incubation services through Launch Space and the Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL) Hardware Incubator
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities at the Future Space Innovation Centre
- Collaborative projects with our Health Technology Hub and BRL’s Robotic Innovation Facility
- Academic collaboration with the School of Applied Science.
- A steady pipeline of talented graduates and undergraduate interns.
Mark Corderoy, UWE Bristol’s Entrepreneur in Residence, emphasizes the importance of this approach:
“At UWE, we don’t just incubate startups; we try to nurture long-term partnerships. Our sustained support for companies like Altered Carbon creates a win-win scenario, driving innovation while providing invaluable real-world experiences for our students and researchers.”
Mutual Benefits
The partnership between UWE Bristol and Altered Carbon exemplifies the mutual benefits that can arise from long-term collaboration between universities and startups:
For Altered Carbon:
- Access to cutting-edge facilities and expertise
- A talent pool of graduates and interns
- Support through various stages of growth and development
For UWE Bristol:
- Funding for two PhD positions
- Provision of 20 paid internships for undergraduates
- Real-world experience and employment opportunities for students and graduates
The Power of Sustained Support
Deep tech development is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. The success of Altered Carbon underscores the importance of sustained support in nurturing groundbreaking innovations. By providing a comprehensive ecosystem that supports startups from incubation to scale-up, UWE is playing a crucial role in driving technological advancements and economic growth in the region.
As we look to the future, the Altered Carbon success story serves as a blueprint for university-startup collaborations in the deep tech sector. It demonstrates that with the right support, patience, and perseverance, transformative technologies can emerge from university ecosystems, creating value for businesses, students, and society at large.
At UWE Bristol, we remain committed to fostering such partnerships, supporting the next generation of innovators, and contributing to the vibrant deep tech landscape in the UK and beyond.
Latest News
Altered Carbon has just been announced overall winner at the United Nations World Food Forum Startup Innovation Awards in Rome (October 2024).