Katlas Technology Case Study: Developing software to give everyone the power to control and manage their information, decision-making, and social outcomes.
The need
Economist and former city Risk Manager Edward Cole knows how data can be utilised to suit the Big Corporate agenda. His experience as a 1980s data analyst and subsequent electronic trader led to a fascination in Web3 software development with its potential to create a more secure, trustworthy, and democratic means of handling big data. In 2019 following minimal proof of concept, Ed founded KATLAS Technology which he runs with his Chief Technical Officer Marcos Mayorga and STEM advisors.
The company is focused on the research and development of Web3 applications in the medical technology, space, border security, and environmental sectors. KATLAS software provides the means to capture and protect data from verified sources in the form of Smart Wallets, enable the permissive sharing of vast datasets, and ensure the decision-making and outcomes are back in the hands of the originating community – not centralised civic and corporate data pools – securely and anonymously.
Edward realised that he and the team would benefit from working with experts in MedTech, digital tech and AI to test and refine their initial concepts and early prototypes. So, he applied to join the RIEm 2022 programme at Brunel University, London and was accepted onto that year’s cohort of innovators.
The solution
During a series of intensive one-day gatherings of innovators, Ed presented his technology to a team of academic experts and received valuable feedback. His aim was to be part of a fertile environment for the sharing of ideas, and some industry networking. He also sought a better understanding of the marketplace and guidance as to how best to hone and present his proposition to stakeholders.
Ed says: “We were looking for affirmation and confirmation of our ideas, and I have no doubt that being part of the RIEm programme has given us the confidence and credibility to talk to potential partners. For example, we are already working on a Web3 project bringing patients, practitioners, and healthcare providers together in a ‘Virtual Health Ward.’ Using wearable data sensors, we can achieve greater precision for both predictive and preventative healthcare decision making. And the data ownership remains with the individual.”
Introductions by the RIEm team have enabled KATLAS to engage with Brunel University on two further nascent innovations:
- An AI referral platform for the remote reporting and management of Gender-based Violence issues in Lesotho, Africa.
- and on UK Space sustainability looking to improve the interoperability of data sharing amongst in-orbit satellites.
The outcome
KATLAS honed their proposition well enough to be awarded a £50,000 grant from Innovate UK. This is for a six-month R&D project - ‘Transformative Technologies in Future Telecoms being key to a safer and more sustainable internet for businesses and families’- by introducing the Web3.0 router for home and business. Success in this project will mean finding development and commercialisation partners of their Web3.0 router to achieve millions of units sold worldwide.
“Ed and Katlas Technology really understood the value of RIEm programme and cooperated with the programme methodology. Within six months of joining the programme, Katlas and Brunel worked together to submit funding applications for a total of £1.75 million for collaborative research and innovation so Katlas has already secured its first Innovate UK grant”, says, Dr Michael Joseph, RIEm Programme Lead.
Ed says: “We now work with STEM consultants in pharma and healthcare providing the backbone technology for advances in clinical trials, co-vigilance, and knowledge exchange; as systems integrators for Border Strategy 2025 and the Single Trade Window; robotics interoperability proving grounds; and sustainability in Freight & Logistics.
“We will stay close to the RIEm team, and Brunel University London, as we value their professionalism and expertise.”
We were looking for affirmation and confirmation of our ideas, and I have no doubt that being part of the RIEm programme has given us the confidence and credibility to talk to potential partners. For example, we are already working on a Web3 project bringing patients, practitioners, and healthcare providers together in a ‘Virtual Health Ward.’ Using wearable data sensors, we can achieve greater precision for both predictive and preventative healthcare decision making. And the data ownership remains with the individual.
Edward Cole, CEO & Sales Engineer
Ed and KATLAS Technology really understood the value of RIEm programme and cooperated with the programme methodology. Within six months of joining the programme, KATLAS and Brunel worked together to submit funding applications for a total of £1.75 million for collaborative research and innovation so KATLAS has already secured its first Innovate UK grant.
Dr Michael Joseph, Business Development Manager (Healthcare and MedTech) & RIEm Lead
Get in touch with the project team member(s) for this case study
Paratharayil
i have managed large partnerships for a budget of £5million with private sector organisations in the uk and overseas. i have led capacity strengthening programmes in resource mobilisation strategy and business model canvas, marketing strategy and proposal development. i have experience in developing route-to-market strategies and investment pitches in healthcare and medtech. i currently lead brunel's sme capacity strengthening project on engagement and research and innovation & business resilience fund. i also manage projects in knowledge exchange and health innovation. i contribute to brunel's early career academic capacity development programmes and south east asia and south asia regional working group in addition to innovation ecosystem management for specific r&i projects. connect with me on linkedin
Dr Michael Paratharayil
I have managed large partnerships for a budget of £5million with private sector organisations in the UK and overseas. I have led capacity strengthening programmes in resource mobilisation strategy and business model canvas, marketing strategy and proposal development. I have experience in developing route-to-market strategies and investment pitches in healthcare and MedTech. I currently lead Brunel's SME Capacity strengthening project on Engagement and Research and Innovation & Business Resilience Fund. I also manage projects in knowledge exchange and health innovation. I contribute to Brunel's Early Career Academic Capacity Development Programmes and South East Asia and South Asia Regional Working Group in addition to innovation ecosystem management for specific R&I projects. Connect with me on LinkedIn
Partnering with confidence
Organisations interested in our research can partner with us with confidence backed by an external and independent benchmark: The Knowledge Exchange Framework. Read more.
Case study last modified 25/10/2023