If you are a regular TechSPARK reader it’s likely you’ll have heard of Bristol-based Ultrahaptics before. If not, it is a leading developer of technology that uses ultrasound to create tactile sensations in mid-air. And the reason we talk about them a lot is that its tech is amazing – imagine being able to feel an invisible dial and being able to interact with it to control your tech.
“Our technology completes gesture control by re-introducing the sense of touch”
Well, it seems it’s not just us that rate this tech and its multiple possibilities for computers, automobiles and consumer goods – the startup has been awarded £10.1 million to grow its business globally. You can see some possibilities for the tech in the video below:
The new investment, led by Woodford Investment Management, will allow Ultrahaptics to work with manufacturers in different markets as well as reaching new markets and customers. The startup has already been involved in various projects, including helping to create real-life tractor beams and revolutionary in-car entertainment systems for Jaguar, but now they are ready to explore more projects in different fields.
As Steve Cliffe, CEO of Ultrahaptics, said: “The company is engaged with Tier 1 manufacturers in multiple markets and the investment will allow us to fulfil this demand and address additional markets and customers. Our technology completes gesture control by re-introducing the sense of touch.”
A true Bristol success story
Ultrahaptics started out as a spin-out company based on research developed at the University of Bristol by PhD student Tom Carter (pictured right). The startup became part of the Bristol SETsquared Centre – the University’s award-winning business incubator – hot on the heels of winning the University’s New Enterprise Competition two years ago. SETsquared in now based in Engine Shed and Ultrahaptics has gone from strength to strength, expanding from one desk to 24 and occupying the biggest office.
“This could be one of the most exciting stars coming out of the Bristol and Bath ecosystem and we look forward to the ride”
Nick Sturge, Director of the Bristol SETsquared Centre, said: “Ultrahaptics joined the Bristol SETsquared Centre in November 2013 and has grown rapidly in the centre, here in Engine Shed, to a team of over 20 people. We are hugely excited to be working with them and being a part of their journey.
“This could be one of the most exciting stars coming out of the Bristol and Bath ecosystem and we look forward to the ride. Their success reflects the ambition in the city-region and the complimentary activities of the University of Bristol, SETsquared and Invest Bristol & Bath, who are helping them with their growth plans in the city.”
You can keep up-to-date with further company developments at ultrahaptics.com, or on Twitter @ultrahaptics.
