Southampton start-up incubator Future Worlds flew the flag for UK universities at the prestigious Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
As the only British university exhibitor, the Future Worlds team made the most of the opportunity to showcase high-tech products developed by entrepreneurs supported by the start-up platform and incubator that is based at the University.
Visitors to the stand at the CES event, regarded as a highlight of the global technology calendar, were shown 22 different products all developed with the help of Future Worlds. These included 3D printed heart valves and an Internet of Things system which monitors the flow and quality of beer.
The team also enjoyed a visit from Matt Hancock MP, Minister for Digital and Culture who was at the show to promote UK technology businesses. Mr Hancock got the chance to test out a motion capture suit called SharkStream, transforming him into a soldier, and experience a 3D television audio sound bar device that tracks the location of the viewer to deliver an immersive audio experience.
Heading up the team was Dr Reuben Wilcock (BEng Electronic Engineering, 2001), co-founder of Future Worlds and Principal Enterprise Fellow within Physical Sciences and Engineering, who said the event had been a huge success that had generated more than 180 business leads.
He added:
Growing a thriving start-up culture is the best way to help leading innovators change the world with their ideas and Future Worlds is making this happen. We have supported over 60 University entrepreneurs in our first year, who have raised more than £2m between them towards their business ideas.”
Experienced founders, investors and industry leaders from the alumni community are being sought by Future Worlds to act as mentors. If you are interested in getting involved, you can get in touch with Reuben through the Team page on www.futureworlds.com.
