Bolton-based EdTech Near-Life has created intelligent virtual characters in an attempt to make digital learning more engaging and memorable.
The innovation, backed by GM Business Growth Hub, is expected to double the company’s customer base and increase turnover by 84% to £350,000 in the next financial year.
“Humans forget almost three-quarters of new information within 24 hours,” said Near-Life founder and CEO Mike Todd.
“We’re here to improve learning outcomes by helping people to create immersive content that their audiences will actually remember.”
Todd’s inspiration came while completing Hostile Environment Awareness Training during his time with the UN Mission in Kosovo and later the UK Government’s Stabilisation Unit.
The expensive simulations sparked the idea of using game-style technology to deliver more accessible training.
The company, which featured on BusinessCloud’s GM Rising Stars of Business earlier this year, has since shifted from producing content to developing tools for organisations to build their own interactive scenarios.
Its clients include the NHS, ASDA, St John Ambulance and the Norwegian Refugee Council.
“The idea was to make it easier for anyone, not just developers, to design high-quality, personalised learning experiences without writing a single line of code,” Todd continued.
“We knew this new feature would appeal to a broadening user base, as well as deepen relationships with existing clients.
“It would also be a key step in Near-Life’s evolution from content producer to software-as-a-service provider.”
A £12,000 Innovation Service grant helped the business work with external software specialists to bring the feature to market.
The firm showcased it at a recent international conference, where it began building momentum with potential global clients.
Todd added: “GM Business Growth Hub’s support allowed us to move fast and position ourselves at the forefront of content creation and instructional design.
“The project was completed in a short timeframe, meaning we could showcase the new functionality at a major international conference; this was a crucial opportunity to build momentum and engage potential global clients.
“We’ve also been able to plan for growth, building up our sales efforts and making sure we can support new customers as they come on board.”
The company has previously received a £62,000 Innovate UK grant and £30,000 from the Create Growth Programme to support scaling.
It is also a member of the Growth Hub’s upcoming ASCEND scaleup programme.
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