Southampton to pioneer new AI and Quantum Tech products at CES 2021

CES, is a yearly event that is considered by many to be the proving grounds for new and upcoming technologies. In the past, it has drawn more than 170,000 visitors with a vested interest in emerging technology coupled with over 4,000 up-and-coming tech firms. This year, the University of Southampton’s accelerator, Future Worlds, will return for a sixth consecutive year to showcase a number of on-campus developed innovations. 

Eight entrepreneurs from the university will exhibit at the expo, each presenting novel spins on existing technologies. In terms of sector, they range from AI, fitness, wearables, quantum computing, sports technology to sustainability. 

Currently, the University’s chosen startups are as follows:

• Aura Vision: revolutionary in-store analytics for offline retailers using existing security cameras, now enabling ‘COVID-secure’ retail
• BOON: creators of privacy-first personalised experiences for online retailers
• Emitwise: machine learning software to help speed up the carbon accounting and reporting process for environmentally-conscious companies
• Absolar: AI-powered software that simulates solar radiation to inform renewable energy decisions
• Aquark Technologies: revolutionary miniaturised cold atom chip for quantum hardware
• ArchAI: an AI tool for construction planners to automate archaeology assessments
• Inpulse: smart clothing to correct muscle imbalances and improve sports performance
• Sentient Sports: AI that assists football managers by predicting how players will perform

Among the startups, Neuroscientist Devon Lewis will exhibit new smart clothing that oversees and improves muscle control, leading to enhanced sports performance and injury recovery. 

“Conventional approaches usually seek to identify and improve specific biological issues, but we can use electrical stimulation to bypass these issues and treat everything from minor tremors to complete paralysis without drugs or invasive surgery,” he said. 

Director of Future Worlds, Ben Clark adds that: “We are very excited as Southampton steps up as the only university representing the UK at CES for a sixth consecutive year. The startups we have selected to exhibit are inspirational future leaders in their field, destined to make huge change in the world of AI and quantum. More startups than ever before are exhibiting with Future Worlds at this year’s CES, reflecting the immeasurable vision, talent and determination to push through the pandemic to help create a more sustainable, connected and healthy world to come.”

At Polestar we have worked with a number of firms that are at the cutting edge of disruptive technology.  We are always interested to the hear from businesses challenging industries through technology or technology-enabled services and products, especially in sectors which are fertile ground for innovation.  If you are seeking funding or evaluating your options, let’s have a chat.