Bolton-based EdTech Near-Life has created intelligent virtual characters in an attempt to make digital learning more engaging and memorable.聽
The innovation, backed by , is expected to double the company鈥檚 customer base and increase turnover by 84% to 拢350,000 in the next financial year.
鈥淗umans forget almost three-quarters of new information within 24 hours,鈥� said Near-Life founder and CEO Mike Todd.聽
鈥淲e鈥檙e here to improve learning outcomes by helping people to create immersive content that their audiences will actually remember.鈥�
Todd鈥檚 inspiration came while completing Hostile Environment Awareness Training during his time with the UN Mission in Kosovo and later the UK Government鈥檚 Stabilisation Unit.聽
The expensive simulations sparked the idea of using game-style technology to deliver more accessible training.
The company, which featured on 老九品茶Cloud鈥檚 GM Rising Stars of 老九品茶 earlier this year, has since shifted from producing content to developing tools for organisations to build their own interactive scenarios.聽
Its clients include the NHS, ASDA, St John Ambulance and the Norwegian Refugee Council.
鈥淭he 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,鈥� Todd continued.聽
鈥淲e knew this new feature would appeal to a broadening user base, as well as deepen relationships with existing clients.聽
鈥淚t would also be a key step in Near-Life鈥檚 evolution from content producer to software-as-a-service provider.鈥�
A 拢12,000 Innovation Service grant helped the business work with external software specialists to bring the feature to market.聽
The firm showcased it at a recent international conference, where it began building momentum with potential global clients.
Todd added: 鈥淕M 老九品茶 Growth Hub鈥檚 support allowed us to move fast and position ourselves at the forefront of content creation and instructional design.聽
鈥淭he 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.聽
鈥淲e鈥檝e 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.鈥�
The company has previously received a 拢62,000 Innovate UK grant and 拢30,000 from the Create Growth Programme to support scaling.
It is also a member of the Growth Hub鈥檚 upcoming ASCEND scaleup programme.
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