Newcastle business grows global market with “innovative” new software platform

As part of Bdaily’s latest feature, Innovation Week, we see how grant funding focused on driving economic growth through innovation has helped a Newcastle based business to grow.

Creative technology business Aircards has grown its global market share thanks to a new self-developed software platform that has given it “the edge” and helped to create new jobs.

Founded in 2020, Aircards specialises in the development of web-based Augmented and Virtual Reality experiences, with their technology used by high-profile companies such as Samsung, Unilever, Dell and Hewlett Packard.

Recognising the “competitive” nature of its market, the company took the decision to develop its own proprietary technology, which would help it compete at the “highest level”.

Gordon Dodd, head of strategy at Aircards, commented: “Since the early days of the business, we always knew we wanted to bring something new and different to the market and to grow a global business based here in the North East.

“Globally there are many good companies offering web-based immersive experiences for clients, and we wanted to be able to compete at the highest possible level. To do this, we needed to innovate and decided developing our own platform would help us to reach our growth goals.”

Funding from the North of Tyne Innovation Recovery Grant has allowed the Newcastle city centre based company to purchase specialist hardware and software, helping it complete its innovation project.

The new Spatial Analytics software allows clients to monitor, measure and manage user behaviour within any web-based immersive experience. The funding was used towards the purchase of several high-end workstations, specialist software solutions and connected audio visual equipment.

This investment into their technology and equipment significantly improved their computing power, allowing the in-house team to develop the integrated platform for next stage iteration; work that would not have been possible on their existing hardware.

The project has created three new jobs, all located in the North of Tyne area, bringing their locally based work force to 25 staff.

Gordon continued: “We were guided through the application process, helping us frame our project in the right way and communicate how we hoped it would help us to grow our market share and local workforce.

“The process was simple, and the guidance helped to ensure our project was a success. As such, we have actively recommended other companies to seek support, and we ourselves look forward to further funding opportunities.”

There is still time to apply for a North of Tyne Innovation Recovery Grant. SMEs in Newcastle, Northumberland and North Tyneside can apply for 50 per cent funding for equipment projects totalling between £5k and £20k, alternatively eligible consultancy or design projects totalling between £8k and £20k (exclusive of VAT) can be supported.

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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