Falmouth University Launchpad incubates tech legacy

by Startacus Admin

Developed by Falmouth University in Cornwall, Launchpad is an innovative, post-grad incubation and acceleration programme. We take a look at some of the previous Launchpad alumni.

Developed by Falmouth University in Cornwall, Launchpad is an innovative, post-grad incubation and acceleration programme that brings together a mix of software engineers, digital creatives and business folk to solve industry challenges set by strategic partners such as Sony and Amazon. The programme is 12 weeks long and is underpinned by a specially designed one-year MA Entrepreneurship programme and a tax-free sum of £16k during the first year.

We have featured the Launchpad programme previously and we’ve also recently chatted with the head of the Launchpad programme, Nick Dixon. With the next cohort diving into the programme on 28 January 2019, we thought that this was as good a time as any to have a look at some of the previous Launchpad alumni, starting with tech startup Codices...

Codices Interactive is a new start-up developing the next generation of live interactive shows. Codices have launched their first product Quiz Kit which allows broadcasters on Twitch to make, manage and monetise live interactive gameshows with their audiences as contestants. Currently, they are developing new live interactive shows and formats.

Fellow alumni Glas Data have created an open, cloud-based ecosystem for unifying agricultural data without restrictions. Their user-friendly platform, FarmHand, allows data-driven productivity, saving time and increasing said productivity. Providing advanced data analysis and offering valuable access to research data, we have featured FarmHand previously, so have a read over for more detailed insight.

Rob Sanders, founder of Glas Data, and part of the 2017 intake, said:

“My experience on Launchpad has been both challenging and highly rewarding. I have been fortunate enough to work on something about which I am very passionate. This coupled with the incentive of having a major stake in the company which is being incubated makes for a very exciting year. It's certainly not a course that you can enter half-heartedly!”

Currently working on their first title, Moonshine Studios is a 4-strong team of game developers who came together via Launchpad and created a new independent games company. Although they can’t yet say much about the game, we know that it will be fast-paced, and will encourage communication and teamwork between friends and families.

2017 alumni and founder of Moonshine Studios, Dr Marcus Gardner explained how the Launchpad programme helped the company build valuable industry connections:

“Through the programme, we have been able to get in contact and network with numerous businesses within the digital tech industry. These industry veterans have helped provide advice and support that has helped us get our company off the ground without falling into many of the common pitfalls associated with start-up companies. As such, our team is well on its way to becoming a successful indie game studio.”

Hertzian, part of the original 2014 intake, offers an affordable, AI-driven platform that collates customer feedback that matters the most and turns it into actionable insights. The platform is already being used in industries such as gaming, automotive, retail, hospitality, and more. In a UK government’s announcement that it would be investing in the AI industry, Hertzian was named as one of the country’s AI trailblazers. High accolade indeed,

Chris Weavill, COO of Hertzian, said of his experience:

“Launchpad was an incredible opportunity for me. The programme put me together with other bright and driven people, partnered with international companies, and trained me effectively in building an investable business. I’m now the co-founder and COO of a fast-growing world-class tech start-up. If you want to build and own your own tech business, I highly recommend the comprehensive package that Launchpad offers.”

Post Launchpad programme, Glas Data, Codices and Hertzian all quickly received investment, with Moonshine Studios also finalising a publishing deal. Further validation that the programme offers real-life opportunity and legacy, that can often elude startup founders that go it alone.

Again, the next Launchpad 2019 cohort will begin on 28 January, so head over here asap to apply.

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Published on: 7th December 2018