These start-ups are using the latest technologies to provide solutions to the most challenging problems facing society.
Hertzian, Falmouth University
Hertzian offers a domain-dedicated solution customer intelligence platform, rivalling industry platforms like Qualitrcs, Brandwatch and Meltwater.
Built on an extensive database with over 1 billion data points, Hertzian leverages its proprietary large language model (LLM) to extract in-depth community insights and sentiment analysis.
Christopher Weavill and Andrew Husband, co-founders of Hertzian
The support provided by Falmouth University through the Launchpad Programme acted as the foundation for the work that Hertzian has undertaken for the last 10 years, contributing to the local economy and AI innovation.
Christopher Weavill
Co-founder, Hertzian
Co-founders Christopher Weavill and Andrew Husband met while taking part in the Falmouth University Launchpad programme. They have since continued to contribute to the success of future entrepreneurs within the Launchpad Programme.
SENGUARD, Glasgow Caledonian University
SENGUARD is a simple and straightforward security subscription app built to protect people over the age of 50 online. It is designed with users in mind with no complicated tiers or add-ons.
As one of the most targeted digital consumers in the UK, the app provides this demographic with internet security services, pre-emptively protecting them from scams and other online threats before any malicious software reaches their device.
SENGUARD co-founder Jordan Reid became interested in cybersecurity and protecting the security of elderly digital users after his grandfather fell victim to an online scam.
Joining with co-founder Grant McAdam, the pair have seen success with early traction in the financial services sector and pilot programmes scaling across the UK, starting with Erskine Veterans Charity in 2024. SENGUARD was also awarded funding through Scottish EDGE, a major financial milestone for the start-up.
The co-founders are now looking to the future with capacity for investment and a detailed plan of action. This includes building a world-class team from highly skilled Scottish talent.
Nu Quantum, University of Cambridge
Nu Quantum develops high-performance quantum photonics hardware and software to unlock commercial quantum computing scale-out.
The innovation is designed to enable ultra-secure quantum communication, quantum key distribution (QKD) and scalable quantum computing by leveraging single-photon generation, detection, and manipulation.
Nu Quantum was founded by Dr Carmen Palacios-Berraquero as a spin-out of the University of Cambridge.
Clear_pixel VR, University of South Wales
Clear_pixel VR is an ethical virtual reality technology company specialising in biomedical science training.
The technology provides immersive VR modules for universities and research institutions, focusing on ethical animal handling, laboratory techniques and neuroscience training.
Clear_pixel VR was founded by Jake Spanswick and Quinn Byron-Dyer, who both studied Games Development at the University of South Wales. The co-founders combined their background in interactive media and real-time 3D technology with their expertise in game development and immersive environments to create innovative VR training solutions.
Jake shares how the support for startups at the University of South Wales is the springboard for students looking to gain the knowledge and skills needed to turn their ideas into viable businesses.
The guidance, resources, and networking opportunities provided [by University of South Wales] were invaluable in helping us navigate the early stages of building clear_pixel VR. It was through this support that we laid the foundations of our business after leaving university, transforming our passion for immersive technology into a company that now operates on a global scale.
Jake Spanswick
Co-founder, Clear_pixel VR
MyWay Digital Health, University of Dundee
MyWay Digital Health delivers transformative diabetes care globally through low-cost, population-based solutions with data-driven technology solutions.
Co-founded by Dr Debbie Wake and Scott Cunningham, the company supports clinicians with intelligent, integrated patient management systems. It also helps patients manage their health through digital health solutions like monitoring for diabetes prevention, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and weight management.
AMJ Tech, University of Glasgow
AMJ Tech delivers reliable data solutions for businesses by providing off-the-shelf products like CSV Getter and Mind Map Downloader. The app supports businesses to back up, analyse and share their data with ease.
Founded by Gavin Adams, who studied at the University of Glasgow, the app demonstrates the power of innovation in streamlining business processes globally.
Focalise, University of the West of Scotland
Focalise is an AI solutions development lab developed to collaborate with international Search and Rescue (SAR) communities.
Founded by Jim Foley, Focalise uses AI analysis of live video, thermal and other sensory data and the creation of machine learning models to provide expertise on detecting humans in challenging conditions.
Medily AI, Anglia Ruskin University
Medily AI is a healthcare technology company transforming clinical decision-making with Medily AI Pro, an intelligent decision-support system designed for healthcare professionals.
Founded by Talha Mehmood, a medical student from Anglia Ruskin University, Medily AI integrates advanced AI algorithms to streamline patient data collection, provide guideline-based insights, and enhance clinician workflows.
Horizun, Cardiff University
Horizun is an immersive platform that uses augmented reality technology and AI-powered avatars into provide tailored career assessments and job simulations to college and undergraduate students.
Founded by AbdulAlim, the unique experience fills the gap in outdated traditional career guidance, providing engaging, practical, real-world scenarios for more informed career choices.
AbdulAlim, founder of Horizun, at Cardiff University's Student Start-up and Freelance Awards
Ayoob AI, Northumbria University
Ayoob AI delivers fully tailored, full-code solutions that empower businesses to achieve more with precision and efficiency. It enhances business workflows by creating AI systems that automate repetitive tasks, streamline decision-making and improve overall efficiency.
Ayoob AI is already working with some big partners, including the Department for Business and Trade.
Altered Carbon, University of the West of England
Altered Carbon has developed an AI-driven Digital Nose, an innovative scent detection technology that uses patented graphene chips and an AI platform capable of learning and distinguishing scents.
The system detects gases, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and complex scent compounds, with applications in environmental monitoring, food storage and waste reduction, and health. Specifically, it can identify what’s burning in a fire, detect food spoilage and sense mould or infection.
Founded by three University of the West of England (UWE) Bristol students, Altered Carbon has been supported by UWE for seven years, funding collaborative research (including two PhDs), employing nine graduates and numerous interns, and raising over £4.5m through investors, Innovate UK funding and grants.
Without a doubt, we would not have been able to achieve what we have without the support of UWE Bristol.
Altered Carbon
Waving Bear Studio, Falmouth University
Waving Bear Studio is a UK-based indie game development studio, focused on family-friendly gaming.
Their award-winning debut title, STUFFED, released on PC and Xbox to positive reviews and was covered by a range of large influencers in the gaming space. They are now working alongside Meta to expand on the STUFFED intellectual property (IP), with a new title aiming to capture a new audience and have exciting plans for growing the studio in the foreseeable future.
Aside from their own IP, they have also provided development and art production services for both gaming and non-gaming clients.
The four founders originally met during their undergraduate studies (with the exception of Matt and Dan, who are brothers). During this time, they developed their first prototype of STUFFED. Showcasing this prototype at consumer game shows suggested strong commercial potential for STUFFED, but securing funds within the gaming space can often be challenging.
Joining the Falmouth University Launchpad programme in 2018 allowed them to come together as a studio and explore this potential, develop their individual business skills while securing a master’s qualification in entrepreneurship, and redesign STUFFED from the ground up, taking a more consumer-focused approach.
After completing the programme, they secured equity funding for the studio in a number of funding rounds to develop and launch their first gaming title.
Lunia 3D, University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Cardiff-based Lunia 3D, developed by University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) graduate Ken Pearce, went from a garden shed hobby to a large-scale 3D printing firm.
The 3D printing company has attracted a range of commissions, from lifesaving military equipment for the Ministry of Defence, to a full-scale car prototype for self-driving testing and a large bespoke shopfront display for a high-end jeweller in Mayfair, London.
UWTSD graduate Ken Pearce, founder of 3D printing company Lunia 3D, was named Young Business Person of the Year at the Cardiff Business Awards 2024 - a recognition that highlights his entrepreneurial journey and the impressive growth of his company. Originally from Newport, Ken’s early career was in signage printing. His entrepreneurial journey began in his garden shed in 2020 at the end of his studies, creating face shields for health workers in the midst of the pandemic.
Lunia 3D are also dedicated to broadening the accessibility of 3D printing by launching a range of educational workshops, offering people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to learn the skills of the future. This innovative approach has been a major contributor to Ken’s success.
Universal Quantum, University of Sussex
Universal Quantum builds quantum computers to solve humanity’s most complex challenges.
The quantum computers solve challenges that would take even the fastest supercomputers millions of years to solve. Applications include most industry sectors, including electrical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, defence, business services, transport, chemical products, financial services and agriculture.
To date, Universal Quantum has attracted circa £100 million in funding for the construction of practical quantum computers, including £10 million in venture capital and £53.5 million from the German Aerospace Centre.
The company is leading an industry consortium that includes Rolls Royce to construct the UK’s first error-corrected quantum computer.
Universal Quantum’s founders Winfried Hensinger and Sebastian Weidt collaborated on developing Universal Quantum at the University of Sussex. The co-founders invented a new approach to quantum computing where voltages are applied to a microchip in the presence of global microwave fields – a major leap forward in the pursuit of practical, utility-scale quantum computers.
Universal Quantum’s success has drawn several prestigious recognitions and awards. In 2022, the company won the IOP Business Start-up Award. It was recognised in Bloomberg’s ‘25 UK Start-Ups to Watch’ list in 2023 and was included on the 2024 Sunday Times ‘Best Places to Work’ list for its investment in employee professional development and wellbeing.