Proof of Concept Fund
Case Studies
Several companies have been supported with POC Funding in this area.
Geospatial Research Ltd
Digging out new tools for geological surveys
A University spin out company is sifting through the most advanced geoscience techniques from academic research, and using them to create tools for industry.
Geospatial Research Ltd is using a £60,000 POC investment to make high-precision geological surveys available to commercial interests such as petroleum and mineral exploration companies.
Clients can take advantage of the latest digital technology, such as real-time kinematic GPS equipment and terrestrial laser scanning. These data capture techniques produce far more accurate and sophisticated results compared to old paper-based mapping methods.
Using state of the art facilities in Durham University’s e-Science Research Institute, Geospatial Research are able to create virtual 3D maps – allowing clients to visualise their data and even interact with it.
Dr Richard Jones, Geospatial Research Managing Director, said: “Our work is successfully bridging the gap between academic research and commercial development – and POC funding helped us demonstrate the value of these techniques for acquiring, visualising and analysing geoscientific data.
“Our business advantage depends on a rapid turn around of new research ideas developed within the University environment. We are constantly working to translate those into concrete improvements for the commercial world.”
