SPECU is working on creating embedded hyperspectral vision sensors that capture, on average, five times more detail than traditional cameras, including information invisible to the naked eye.
The company recently utilised the facilities at Royce Imperial to support their research and development. In our latest blog post, they share more about their company and how the facilities at Royce that have supported their work.
Royce at Imperial is hub for start-ups, industry and academia to make, test and characterise materials, components and systems. Start-ups and companies like SPECU can access our state-of-the-art Royce facilities, resources and expertise to drive innovation and development.
Can you tell us more about your startup/company?
SPECU was founded in 2022 in the UK. Our company focuses on creating embedded hyperspectral vision sensors that capture, on average, five times more detail than traditional cameras, including information invisible to the naked eye.
This technology holds immense potential for applications in precision farming, environmental monitoring, medical imaging, ADAS, and food safety. Our team consists of experts from top universities like Imperial College London, Cambridge, and MIT, as well as industry professionals with extensive experience in hyperspectral vision. Together, we are working to make these high-tech cameras affordable and widely available.
Our start-up was recently backed by international venture capitalists and has secured millions in funding to support its journey towards global commercialisation. We aim to bring our transformative technology to a wider audience.
Why did you choose to use the Royce facility?
Choosing the Royce facility has been instrumental for our early-stage deep-tech startup, especially at a critical juncture where transitioning from extensive research to commercialization involves significant non-commercial activity. Royce has supported us comprehensively in several key ways:
Comprehensive Resources: Royce provides a full suite of devices, from basic wafer cleaning to advanced thin film deposition and etching. This array of equipment allows us to conduct all necessary research under one roof without the need to seek additional facilities.
Flexibility: Unlike traditional fabs, Royce offers greater flexibility, enabling us to freely test and iterate on our ideas. This adaptability is crucial for a startup like ours, where evolving prototypes swiftly is vital.
Expert Guidance and Training: The facility offers state-of-the-art equipment and provides extensive training and expert guidance. This support has been essential in enhancing our team’s device-handling methodologies, ensuring that we use each piece of equipment to its fullest potential.
We contacted numerous other fabs and university labs, but none could offer the comprehensive, integrated support provided by Royce. Their professional environment and flexible approach make Royce particularly well-suited to supporting innovative startups like ours, enabling us to refine our technology efficiently and effectively.
What facilities do you use/did you use at the Royce facility?
We utilise more than half of the facilities available at Royce, including the basic wafer cleaning and drying system, various thin film deposition devices, different etching facilities, and device characterisation equipment. These comprehensive resources support our extensive research and development efforts, allowing us to explore and refine our technologies effectively.
What has been your biggest learning curve since starting the business?
Our biggest learning curve has been embracing the philosophy of ‘think less, do more.’ Early on, we learned that sometimes taking action, even if not perfect, is better than inaction. This approach has been vital in product development, where real-world application and iterative adjustments have allowed us to refine our ideas continuously. Through actively engaging with challenges and scaling up production, we’ve managed to come 80-90% closer to our ideal solutions. Embracing this proactive mindset has significantly accelerated our learning and adaptation, proving crucial in navigating the complexities of growing a successful business.
Discover more about Royce at Imperial. You can also join us on 18 September 2024 for an exciting event to discover more about our Royce facilites! This will be an opportunity to explore cutting-edge research resources at Imperial College London and across the UK. Learn more about the event and register now.