Tag: University Enterprise Zone

Expansion of Start-up Support at UWE Bristol: Introducing New Incubation Facilities at Frenchay Campus

Author Anna Jones | Posted on

The University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) have transformed their incubation space on campus, bringing together two tech incubators into one space for the first time.

More than 170 tech founders have been supported by UWE Bristol’s Incubators. Between them, the Launch Space Incubator, and the Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL) Hardware Incubator have seen these companies go on to raise more than £80 million.

As well as creating hundreds of jobs for the region, there have been new, exciting, and leading technologies being developed by companies within the incubators. Open Bionics, Perceptual Robotics, and Bunk are just a few of the successful enterprises to have been supported by UWE Bristol’s Incubation team. Almost half of all companies that have been supported are UWE Bristol graduates – evidence of the growing entrepreneurial journey the University has built on campus.

The recent investment by UWE Bristol, has brought together the two incubators in a newly refurbished space at the heart of the University Enterprise Zone, on UWE Bristol’s Frenchay campus.

Both incubators were originally set up to work with tech founders in the early stages of their business development, and both have seen huge success: Launch Space focused on working with founders to develop their ideas and value proposition, preparing businesses for their first funding raise, and the BRL hardware incubator provided space for companies to build and test their products, refining them ready for commercial launch.

Tracey John, Director of Research, Business, and Innovation at UWE Bristol, oversees the incubation team commented:

“By bringing together our incubators in a new multiuse and multidisciplinary space, we have created an even more powerful incubation offer for tech start-ups. We have created a place where individuals can build their teams, where the business savvy can bump into the tech savvy, and where things can be built, from prototypes and early products to commercial offerings.”

Bespoke technical spaces

Professor Manuel Giuliani, Co-Director of BRL, oversees the incubator space, commented:

“The Incubator is an exciting space for startups to work on their ideas, exchange ideas with academics and students from the BRL and wider University, whilst growing their business. The refurbishment of the space is fantastic. Who wouldn’t want to work out of such a modern, high-end co-working environment?!”

Using an innovative approach with Opendesk for the main furniture, the brand-new space has co-working desks, individual workbenches, a large meeting space, and collaborative zones. Funding from the ERDF Digital Innovation4Growth programme and the West of England Combined Authority, has enabled the purchase of additional tools and equipment to support incubator tenants.

Companies that join the incubator are given up to 12 months free desk space. However, the team describe how the physical space is just one part of a bigger offering. As well as bespoke technical mentoring and expert advice services, founders have access to a programme of business frameworks, peer group sessions, and wider events.

For those building hardware, a weekly drop-in service is provided by BRL technicians to support safe working practices and even provide technical training.

In the heart of the University Enterprise Zone at UWE Bristol’s Frenchay Campus, Aimee Skinner and Mark Corderoy discuss the recent incubator renovation and the environment the University has created to support entrepreneurial journeys.

Aimee Skinner and Mark Corderoy

“Having a place to work is crucial for early-stage businesses when building their tech products and services,” Mark Corderoy, Incubation Manager at UWE Bristol, said as he showed off the new heavy-duty workbenches, fresh ply co-working desks, and large conference table complete with 360o video conferencing equipment.

“The incubator has seen some amazing technologies being developed over the years, and it’s important that we continue to create an environment in which these businesses can thrive”.

Mark Corderoy, Incubation Manager at UWE Bristol

Multiple teams were involved in the delivery of the ambitious 10-week renovation – from designing wall graphics and colour schemes, to the choice of furniture and equipment.

Aimee Skinner, Programme Lead at UWE Bristol, explains that

“The space is exciting and has been designed to inspire those that work in it, but it’s also practical and functions in the way that start-ups need. There are areas to work quietly and focus, break out spaces to come together as a team, benches to build hardware, and professional meeting facilities.”

Aimee goes further to say that “the incubator space is about engineering serendipity – those chance encounters where the right people meet at the right time to spark an idea, a conversation, and perhaps a new way of approaching a challenge”.

If you’re interested in finding out more about enterprising activity at UWE Bristol go to https://www.uwe.ac.uk/business/university-enterprise-zone.

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UWE Bristol win funding to deliver “The Bridge – A Creative Studio for Physical-Meta Production”

Author Anna Jones | Posted on

UWE Bristol have recently won funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council’s (AHRC) Capital Facilities Fund to deliver “The Bridge – A Creative Studio for Physical-Meta Production”. This new space, worth £3.1 million , for interdisciplinary, practice-based, design-led creative research will drive adoption of emerging technologies in the arts and humanities to stimulate novel forms of creative expression and production. The new lab will include New Generation Collaborative Robotic Arms, Motion Capture, Virtual Production, AI, Virtual Reality, Drones, 3D printing and Digital Fabrication.

The investment from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will support the sector and ensure UK researchers have access to the best labs and equipment they need to keep producing world-class science. UKRI is investing £103 million to expand and upgrade the UK’s world class research infrastructure, including digital infrastructure. UWE Bristol have received £2.3 million from AHRC as part of the UKRI investment.

The new studio is designed to breakdown the barriers between the technology enabling the creative industries and the artistic processes of content production. The space will deliver future-facing research that keeps pace with today’s rapidly changing technologies, whislt considering aesthetic, cultural and ethical implications. The Bridge will be a collision space for researchers from any discipline to work together on the research for tomorrow.

The Bridge will act as a beacon for the West of England and wider regions, seeking novel applications of technology to enhance Arts & Humanities research, whilst supporting the UK’s creative and cultural economy. 

The Bridge will be based on UWE Bristol’s Frenchay Campus.

UWE Bristol Knowledge Transfer Partnership business secures a six-year partnership extension with Virgin Money

Author Anna Jones | Posted on

Flexys, who completed a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) and is a member of Future Space, has signed a six-year contract extension with Virgin Money.

Following a project to provide an easy-to-use digital solution to manage Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) repayments and Pay As You Grow (PAYG) options, Flexys will continue working with Virgin Money to deliver an ongoing modern money experience for business customers to help them navigate the challenges of the current economic environment.

Figures show that BBLS made £47bn of loans available to 1.67m SMEs across the UK, with Virgin Money lending £1bn to over 34,000 business customers.

The digital self-service solution developed with Flexys was the first of its kind deployed by Virgin Money and, to date, c.14,000 BBLS loan restructures have been completed via PAYG. The solution enables Virgin Money customers to manage their loan over the full term, helping them make an informed decision about what the best option is for them.        

Flexys CEO, James Hill, said, “Working with Virgin Money has been a pleasure for the whole Flexys team, and their continuing confidence in Flexys is gratifying. This six-year partnership will build on the results already delivered and cement a productive collaboration to deliver the best possible service and outcomes for Virgin Money’s customers.”

Flexys provides the market-leading digital-first debt management, collection and recovery solution powered by cloud-native technology. Trusted by major household names in the banking, financial services and utility sectors, it delivers smart solutions that radically improve the speed, ease and efficiency of the debt collection process for creditors and their customers.

KTPs consist of a unique three-way collaboration between a business, a university and a graduate (known as the associate). The KTP scheme is a UK-wide programme helping businesses to improve competitiveness and productivity. The KTP with Flexys Our KTP with Flexys aims to integrate Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technology within debt resolution software, to enable more effective management of debt resolution and improvement of customer relationships and retention.

Future Space is part of our University Enterprise Zone. Future Space connects entrepreneurs and tech innovators with scientists, researchers and graduate talent – to spark collaboration, innovation and growth.  

University Spin-out seeks Angel Investors Support Dementia Management SmartSocks™

Author Anna Jones | Posted on

A UWE Bristol and University of Bristol spin-out, tech start-up Milbotix Ltd, has announced an investment round to complete the development of SmartSocks™, which track signs of stress and agitation in people with neurocognitive diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
 
Award-winning start-up Milbotix, which is backed by Alzheimer’s Society, seeks angel investment to complete the development of SmartSocks™ and match grants worth over £1/2 million. The investment will enable Milbotix to help millions of people living with dementia.
 
Angel investor Dean was inspired to invest in Milbotix after witnessing that his late mother, who had dementia, was becoming increasingly agitated and upset. 
 
“Smart socks would have picked up when Mum was becoming agitated and would have helped in the early days of her illness by enabling Dad to deploy the distraction techniques we used to calm her. They would also have helped the hard-pressed care home staff to target their care to her needs and alerted them to her distress when she was alone in her room, enabling them to respond more quickly and help relieve her anxiety.”

Alzheimer’s Society, the UK’s leading dementia charity, says there will be 1.6 million people with dementia in the UK by 2040, with one person developing dementia every three minutes. Dementia is thought to cost the UK £34.7 billion a year. 
 
Agitation and aggression in dementia are often caused by unmanaged pain and anxiety. The SmartSocks™ contain comfortable sensors that measure the wearer’s sweat, pulse, temperature, and motion. They work in conjunction with patent-pending artificial intelligence software and a mobile app that alerts carers to signs of distress.

Natasha Howard-Murray, Senior Innovator at Alzheimer’s Society commented “By taking the form of an everyday item, these smart socks are less stigmatising and invasive than current products and will be easier to use in care settings, helping carers to feel less overwhelmed with multiple tasks.”
 
Commenting on Dean’s investment, founders Dr Zeke Steer and Jacqui Arnold said “We are seeking passionate, impact-oriented investors like Dean to help us revolutionise how dementia care is delivered. Please get in touch if you would like to support the development of the SmartSocks™ product line.”

About Milbotix
Milbotix Ltd is headquartered near Oxford, UK, with offices in Bristol. The company is a spin-out from the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England. Founded by robotics and AI expert Dr Zeke Steer and dementia specialist Jacqui Arnold, Milbotix’s mission is to improve the lives of people with dementia and other conditions that make it difficult for them to communicate distress. Milbotix is partnered with Alzheimer’s Society through their Accelerator Programme.

Zeke and Milbotix have support from UWE Bristol in many ways including a Digital Innovation Fund grant; support through the Launch Space and Future Space programmes, intern recruitment and projects within our University Enterprise Zone.

The Story Behind SmartSocks™
Dr Steer was working as a software engineer in the defence industry when his great-grandmother, Kath, began showing signs of dementia. A gentle person with a passion for jazz music, she became prone to bouts of agitation and aggression after her diagnosis. Realising that technologies like artificial intelligence could revolutionise dementia care, Dr Steer quit his job and completed a PhD at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory so that he could find a way to help people like Kath. 

During his PhD research, he spent some time volunteering with Bristol-based charity St Monica Trust. “I came to see that my great grandmother’s symptoms weren’t an isolated case, and that distressed behaviours are very common,” he explained. “Current alternatives to the SmartSocks™ are worn on the wrist, which presents problems with the devices being removed and causing distress. The SmartSocks™ are comfortable and familiar and exploit the high density of sweat glands on the soles of the feet to more accurately recognise when the wearer is stressed.”

ENDS

For more information and interviews, please contact Zeke Steer at zeke@milbotix.com or on 07887 855393.
www.milbotix.com 

The Centre for Machine Vision working on Detection for Early signs of Digital Dermatitis Lesions and Lameness Within Dairy Cattle

Author Anna Jones | Posted on

UWE Bristol’s Centre for Machine Vision (CMV) are the academic partner on an innovative project with Hoofcount to detect early signs of digital dermatitis lesions and lameness within dairy cattle.

Hoofcount is a 10-year-old family business, focusing on how to keep cows’ hoofs clean and healthy. The project is aimed at using machine vision to develop an early detection lameness monitoring system. It has won funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), part of Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme, for feasibility studies combining innovation with research and collaboration with farmers and growers.

Hoof health is a prevalent issue in agriculture, particularly in the dairy industry, as it is one of the main factors leading to poor milk production. Dairy cows are susceptible to a range of hoof issues including Digital dermatitis, sole ulcers, white line disease and overgrown hooves. These generally show a visual change in the underside and back of the hoof. These issues can develop initially without the animal showing visual signs in its gait.

The researcher working on the project is Dr Chollette Olisah, Research Fellow in Computer Vision and Machine Learning in the CMV.

John Hardiman, Software Engineer at Hoofcount explained:

“Lameness is a key issue in dairy herds, with conservative estimates of 25% of dairy cattle suffering from lameness and each lame cow costing more than £300 in loss of production and treatment. The Hoofcount footbath is trusted and recommended by farmers vets and hoof trimmers internationally as they are seeing a continuous fall in lameness on farms using the Hoofcount Automatic Footbath.”

Detecting and treating these issues at an early stage is beneficial to the animal in keeping the hooves healthy and preventing severe lameness which leads to a lower production, increased veterinary and treatment costs, reduced animal welfare, a higher Carbon footprint, and many other issues.

Developing a system that can visualise these changes daily and detect any potential issues early will be of huge benefit to the national herd. Utilising computer vision and machine learning is Hoofcount’s preferred method for monitoring and detecting these issues.

“Collaboration with farmers is core to Hoofcount’s continued innovation and leading reputation in reliable foot-bathing for heard hoof health. Agri-EPI Centre has bolstered our collaboration, with the introduction of The Centre for Machine Vision (CMV) at UWE Bristol and successful application for Innovate UK funding (IUK). CMV has a track record of successful computer vision within agriculture. Agri-EPI has been instrumental in the project funding application and continues to support the project organisation with its network of research farms.”

“As with our automatic footbaths, we know that we will never get rid of Digital dermatitis and hoof health issues completely, however we want to do everything we can to minimise the effects of them and reduce the spread.”

Agri-EPI’s Head of Dairy, Duncan Forbes said:

“This is a great example of the sort of practical collaborations we seek to create, bringing together innovative companies like Hoofcount with leading research experts like the team at CMV at UWE Bristol. Early detection of lameness is vital to meeting the challenge of delivering a substantial reduction in lameness prevalence in dairy herds. UK milk producers will very much welcome the benefits to cow welfare and cost reduction that this emerging technical solution will deliver.”

Wenhao Zhang, Senior Lecturer in Machine Vision at UWE Bristol commented:

“Unique challenges arising from a realistic environment, such as a farm, are often underestimated when developing machine vision solutions to real-world problems. The large set of uncontrollable and dynamic variables in complex scenes cannot be tackled by simply applying tweaks to existing offerings.

Development of on-farm technology needs to be driven by fundamental research examining practical constraints in a bespoke way, in order to produce an innovative approach that is reliable, robust, and practicable. In this project, to solve the problem of object detection and classification ‘in the wild’, the opportunity to co-create this technology with different stakeholders and to informed design choices with the best farming practices and a wealth of inter-disciplinary knowledge is truly invaluable.”

The Centre for Machine Vision (CMV) is part of the Bristol Robotics Laboratory. They solve real-world practical computer vision problems. Their particular excellence lies in three-dimensional reconstruction and surface inspection.

Driving Innovation & Accelerating Growth: Focus on Smart Analytics, Digitisation and Robotics

Author Anna Jones | Posted on
  • Wednesday 21 September
  • 16:00-18:00
  • Future Space, Frenchay Campus

Hosted by UWE Bristol’s Turing Network and the Research, Business and Innovation team, this event will focus on how Smart Analytics, Digitisation of Services, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Big Data and Robotics can transform your services and products.

Hear case studies applying cutting edge technology to real world problems and identify how this could be applied in your own business context, providing you with a competitive edge for the future.

The event will cover a taster of the following core themes:

  • Agri Tech
  • Fin Tech
  • Green Tech
  • Health Tech
  • Legal Tech

There will be a chance to hear from Innovate UK KTN and the UWE Bristol Turing Network on funding opportunities in the region and how to engage with the expertise from the wider University.

You will gain access to our innovation experts, connect with national funding bodies and other businesses, providing you with the knowledge to find solutions to the challenges you may be facing.

Register your place

Be a part of the next group of aspiring entrepreneurs at UWE Bristol’s Launch Space incubator

Author Anna Jones | Posted on

UWE Bristol are on the hunt for the next innovative start-ups and aspiring entrepreneurs to join the high-impact start-up incubator programme.

Over the last 12 months, Launch Space has worked with more than 30 early-stage start-ups as they develop their ideas and grow their businesses. Many of these companies have already gone on to win grants, secure investment, and grow their team.

Based within the University Enterprise Zone (UEZ),  the University’s incubator programmes have to date supported more than 130 early-stage businesses. These businesses have raised £52m and created more than 300 new jobs.

Applications are open until the 17 October 2022 – Find out more and apply here.

What support do I get?

Up to 20 people will be selected for the free programme of support.

If successful with your application, you will be invited to attend an exciting induction day on site in October. You will meet your peers, say hello to the innovation team, and get your first introduction to the science and tech community at Future Space.

During your six months with Launch Space, you will have access to tailored one-to-one support, workshops, networking events, and regular advisor sessions to help bring your idea to life.

Working directly with experienced mentors, you can also gain access to a wide range of contacts, industries, and expertise as you get ready to launch your business.

Who can apply?

Launch Space is open to graduate-led, or early-stage, businesses with high-growth potential. The team are looking for those that are working on new and innovative products and services across four key themes:

  • Health and life science
  • Advanced engineering
  • Digital futures
  • Sustainability and climate change

You might have a great idea you want to put into action, be in the early stages of developing your business, or need help to validate and develop your business further – either way, we are here to support your journey.

Find out more and apply here.

Why join Launch Space?

Launch Space is home to a wide range of businesses at various stages on the start-up journey, and you will be working alongside others who have a common goal of making their vision a success.

Award-winning mentor and Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Mark Corderoy, commented:“Launch Space is the perfect environment to create your start-up – a combination of community and one-to-one support, and a track record of success!”

Aimee Skinner works alongside Mark, overseeing the Launch Space programme and mentoring early-stage businesses. She said “The team has worked with hundreds of businesses over the last few years – the journey is rarely the same! That is why we take the time to work one-to-one with everyone, offering a truly bespoke experience”

Apply now.

Don’t just take it from us – hear what our members have to say

We caught up with the latest members of Launch Space to hear what they think.


Faiza Idris joined Launch Space in May of this year with her business, Fa Byoaqua. Fa Byoaqua is an innovative aquaponic farm which aims to alleviate food production concerns in locations with limited access to clean water.

“According to Forbes, 90% of start-up fails. To mitigate that risk, I decided to join Launch space to give my entrepreneurial journey and FA BYOAQUA ltd a good start by taking advantage of the resources available at launch space.

“Launch space has provided a safe environment where I can learn and grow as an entrepreneur. It enabled me to work with other like-minded entrepreneurs. A critical component of Launch space is its vast network of business experts, partners, and mentors such as Aimee and Mark that can assist my company in flourishing”


Morgan Edmondson is founder of Inchain – Inchain are hoping to help business avoid exposure of sensitive business data with their innovative blockchain solution.

“I joined Launch Space because I was captivated by the environment of entrepreneurs, mentors, and specialists within the program and the support that is offered.

“The support and navigation both technically and commercially through the team at Launch Space, alongside the great working environment have enabled Inchain to progress further and more efficiently day by day”

Gabriela Gomez has been working on her business, Open Labs, to tackle student mental health. Working one-to-one with Gabriela, the Launch Space team have supported Open Labs to apply for a variety of grant funding to help bring them one step closer to a working application.

“I joined the programme to turn my business idea into a reality with the help of mentors and the resources provided by Launch Space.

“Launch Space has allowed me to access invaluable start-up support by connecting me with mentors and an inspiring and supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs”

Organiko are creating universal, traceable, inclusive, and sustainable loungewear. Abbie Lifton, founder of Organiko, joined Launch Space to get support expanding the brand and exploring combined sensor technology.

“7,200 health and fitness facilities are highly populated by synthetic activewear, as 10,000 gym goers choose to abide by social norms, rather than consider traceability and whether their garment could assist in reaching their performance goals. Organiko is looking to change this.

“Launch Space has allowed us to work within a community of like-minded individuals, gain 1-2-1 support and have space for open discussion amongst peers in similar situations”

Rivern Macpherson is founder of Pair 2 Share, providing social and financial perks to restaurant owners and staff with an innovative meal swap solution.

“I began my entrepreneurial journey at Launch Space due to their ability to support me in growing my idea into a business through their fantastic community, mentorship, and facilities on offer.

“Since joining Launch Space, I have gained invaluable knowledge and experience on how to successfully manage a startup, and I am now ready to begin my first pitching round to investors”

If you would like to find out more or speak to the team, email launchspace@uwe.ac.uk

Spotlight on Launch Space businesses

Author Anna Jones | Posted on

In October 2021, Launch Space welcomed 16 innovative start-ups to receive business support, incubation, and acceleration services.

Launch Space provides free desk space and business support for aspiring entrepreneurs and early stage businesses. Launch Space is part of the University Enterprise Zone.

Through Launch Space some businesses are eligible to apply for Santander Start-up Grants which aim to remove the financial disadvantage to pursuing the entrepreneurial career path. These grants facilitate the growth of early-stage start-ups, giving them vital funds for an internship, or to develop new products and services.

Following the 6-month programme of workshops, peer learning, advisor sessions, and mentoring, the group were able to apply for the grants in early 2022.

Applications for the next cohort closed on 3 May and will begin on 18 May with a full-day induction where they will meet former members of Launch Space and hear first-hand the experiences they’ve had.

As we prepare to begin Launch Space Spring 2022, we caught up with a few of the Autumn 2021 cohort who were successful in securing these grants to see how they’re getting on.

Andy and Guy, Co-Founders, Target Student

Target Student are building the UKs first digital out-of-home advertising network specifically within student accommodation.

“Our platform will digitise advertising to students – which has traditionally been done through noticeboards and flyers. This also opens up a new channel to brands to advertise on large digital screens.

“We first applied for the Santander funding in 2021, and we got support to get our proof of concept up and running. This involved running the screens in 33 properties in 16 cities, with a reach of 30,000.

“Now we need to test our idea to see if we can measure impact. This additional funding will support with research and development of this stage, to work out which analysis platform to use so we know how many people are viewing our screens. This means we’ll have the hard data to be able to sell advertising space.”

Nicholas Du Preez, Founder AI Assist

AI Assist is a revision application for students. It combines proven study techniques with machine learning to adapt revision to the study needs of the individual student. This enables them to make the most out of their revision time and long-term memory.

“Education traditionally relies on students to memorise large amounts of information in order to pass exams, often with limited notes or information. I experienced this as a student and came up with the idea for AI Assist.

“Developing the idea was fascinating, because a lot of it is centred around understanding psychological research and revision techniques, so that you can create a revision plan that is unique to the individual.

“Everyone has areas they are weaker or stronger in when it comes to studying, and everyone has a different way of learning, so you can use machine learning to understand the best approach, or mix of approaches that is right for that individual. This is what the app does and it has already proven to increase the exam results achieved by 52%.

“The Santander funding will allow me to employ an intern who can support with the next step – turning the idea into a mobile and web application, testing it on students and ultimately improving their revision experience and their grades.”

William Testeil, Co-Founder, Famli

Famli is an app that helps families improve their health and wellbeing in a fun and simple way through engaging activities that cover exercise, nutrition, and mental health.

“Initially we were offering Famli on a B2C basis, but we’ve had a lot of interest from primary schools. This funding will go towards web support so that we can develop our app for teachers – allowing us to have more of an impact as well as providing us with a sustainable business model.

“Before getting to this point, we had been bootstrapped for two years. We’d spent our money developing the app and we were doing other work to cover our personal expenses. Through the support of Launch Space we got an initial grant from Santander, which allowed us to spend our whole working week on the business. This gave us time to hire our technical Co-Founder, which then led to us being eligible for more funding and we secured a £50k grant through Innovate UK.

“Now we’re able to get another round of funding through Santander, which will enable us to bring in new talent. Launch Space sparked a domino effect for us and gave us mentoring throughout this process.

“I’d definitely recommend Launch Space to other entrepreneurs – we’re all going through a similar process and as well the structured support it offers, it’s also just nice to pop in and connect with others going through the same journey.”

Jamie Taylor, Founder, Greener Greens

Greener Greens leverages modular vertical farming to bring the highest quality produce to chefs where and when they need it.

“I heard about Launch Space through UWE Bristol. I missed the first day because I was representing the university at the Santander Entrepreneurship Awards, so I was at Wembley Stadium pitching instead!

“These contacts helped me to bring on my first intern, which opened my eyes to the benefits of getting this support. As a startup you have no money and you need a lot of work done, so that’s why I applied for the funding. Connecting with the other businesses at Launch Space has given me an insight into the skills I need to bring in.

“Now I have the funding I want to find someone who can design mock ups of the software we need for our customers (chefs) to easily interact with our farms, and who can assess the use cases for the application. This work is essential for building our MVP and it is an area that is outside my own skill set.”

Find out more about Launch Space.

Innovative ‘smart socks’ could help millions living with dementia

Author Anna Jones | Posted on

Inventor driven to act by great-grandmother’s dementia

  • Milbotix’s ‘smart socks’ sense rising distress in those with dementia, autism and other conditions that affect communication, so their carers can intervene before things escalate
  • Current wrist-worn alternatives can stigmatise and cause more distress
  • Inventor Zeke wanted to help after seeing great-grandmother’s dementia journey
  • He volunteered in a care home and went back to university to research new tech ideas
  • ‘That’s what motivated me: to find her a technological solution that might support care staff and family carers’

‘Smart socks’ that track rising distress in the wearer could improve the wellbeing of millions of people with dementia, non-verbal autism and other conditions that affect communication.

Inventor Dr Zeke Steer quit his job and took a PhD at Bristol Robotics Laboratory so he could find a way to help people like his great grandmother, who became anxious and aggressive because of her dementia.

Milbotix’s smart socks track heart rate, sweat levels and motion to give insights on the wearer’s wellbeing – most importantly how anxious the person is feeling.

They look and feel like normal socks, do not need charging, are machine washable and provide a steady stream of data to carers, who can easily see their patient’s metrics on an app.

Current alternatives to Milbotix’s product are worn on wrist straps, which can stigmatise or even cause more stress.

The Milbotix Smart Socks

Dr Steer said: “The foot is actually a great place to collect data about stress, and socks are a familiar piece of clothing that people wear every day.

“Our research shows that the socks can accurately recognise signs of stress – which could really help not just those with dementia and autism, but their carers too.”

Dr Steer was working as a software engineer in the defence industry when his great-grandmother, Kath, began showing the ill effects of dementia.

Once gentle and with a passion for jazz music, Kath became agitated and aggressive, and eventually accused Dr Steer’s grandmother of stealing from her.

Dr Steer decided to investigate how wearable technologies and artificial intelligence could help with his great-grandmother’s symptoms. He studied for a PhD at Bristol Robotics Laboratory, which is jointly run by UWE Bristol and the University of Bristol.

Dr Zeke Steer

During the research, he volunteered at a dementia care home operated by the St Monica Trust. Garden House Care Home Manager, Fran Ashby said: “Zeke’s passion was clear from his first day with us and he worked closely with staff, relatives and residents to better understand the effects and treatment of dementia.

“We were really impressed at the potential of his assisted technology to predict impending agitation and help alert staff to intervene before it can escalate into distressed behaviours. Using modern assistive technology examples like smart socks can help enable people living with dementia to retain their dignity and have better quality outcomes for their day-to-day life.”

While volunteering Dr Steer hit upon the idea of Milbotix, which he launched as a business in February 2020.

“I came to see that my great grandmother wasn’t an isolated episode, and that distressed behaviours are very common,” he explained.

Milbotix are currently looking to work with innovative social care organisations to refine and evaluate the smart socks.

Charity Alzheimer’s Society says there will be 1.6 million people with dementia in the UK by 2040, with one person developing dementia every three minutes. Dementia is thought to cost the UK £34.7 billion a year.

Meanwhile, according to the Government autism affects 1% of the UK population, or some 700,000 people, 15-30% of whom are non-verbal part or all of the time.

Dr Steer is now growing the business: testing the socks with people living with mid to late-stage dementia and developing the tech before bringing the product to market next year. Milbotix will begin a funding round later this year.

Milbotix is currently a team of three, including Jacqui Arnold, who has been working with people living with dementia for 40 years.

The Milbotix Team

She said: “These socks could make such a difference. Having that early indicator of someone’s stress levels rising could provide the early intervention they need to reduce their distress – be that touch, music, pain relief or simply having someone there with them.”

Milbotix will be supported by Alzheimer’s Society through their Accelerator Programme, which is helping fund the smart socks’ development, providing innovation support and helping test what it described as a “brilliant product”.

Natasha Howard-Murray, Senior Innovator at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Some people with dementia may present behaviours such as aggression, irritability and resistance to care.

“This innovative wearable tech is a fantastic, accessible way for staff to better monitor residents’ distress and agitation.”

UWE Bristol’s Launch Space open for applications

Author Anna Jones | Posted on

UWE Bristol’s Launch Space Incubator is open again for applications from aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses.

Based within the University Enterprise Zone (UEZ), Launch Space is home to high-tech, innovative start-ups with a strong focus on research and development. Applications are now open for the free business support, incubation, and acceleration services we provide for graduate entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses.

The Launch Space incubator and accelerator could be the place for you if:

  • you have a business idea you’d like to put into action
  • you’re a recent graduate, or in the early stages of developing your idea
  • you need support to validate and develop your business further

With access to communal networking areas, use of professional meeting rooms, and on-site hot-desks, you can get ready to launch your business.

Our new Launch Space programme will kick off with an exciting Induction Day onsite in May. Meet your peers, say hi to our Innovation team, and get your first glimpse of the science and tech community in our University Enterprise Zone.

A weekly programme of pitch events, boardroom advisor sessions and coaching sessions will kick start your start-up journey and help bring your idea to life.

If you’re a graduate entrepreneur, you may also be able to benefit from grants of up to £4,000 to support your new business.

Find out more and apply here.

What our current Launch Space cohort has to say

Launch Space is home to existing graduate-led businesses at various stages on the start-up journey, so you’ll be working alongside others who have a common goal of making their vision a success. We spoke to some of our current members about why they joined Launch Space and what they’ve enjoyed the most.

Jamie Taylor, Greener Greens

Why did you join Launch Space?

The Launch Space program is renowned for supporting early-stage innovation, so I felt this was the natural place for me to be. I would advise future cohorts to embrace the opportunity, attend all the available sessions and utilise the experience of the Launch Space staff and community.

The support from Mark and Aimee exceeded my expectations and I cannot recommend the program enough.

Hazel & Amber, Peequal

What have you enjoyed most about Launch Space?

We’ve enjoyed meeting fellow entrepreneurs who are facing similar challenges. Be up for learning from others and their experiences! You can learn something from everyone.

Being able to bring your questions, challenges and successes to the group has been so encouraging.

Andy & Guy, Target Student

What advice would you give others looking to join Launch Space?

It has been brilliant getting non-biased advice from other founders who are either facing, or have faced, similar challenges. Equally, having access to Aimee & Mark has been incredibly valuable for us and we have learned lots from our time with them.

Commit as much as you possibly can. The more you invest in the programme, the more you will get out.

Find out more about Launch Space and apply here.

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