Business Insights: Interview with Awaretag

Throughout October and November, Sunderland Software City ran a 5G and IoT accelerator programme in partnership with BAI Communications and Sunderland City Council . Ten lucky businesses received six weeks of support, pitch training and workshops; one of which was the Bristol-based business Awaretag.?

We had the opportunity to speak to Leonard Carey , co-founder of Awaretag, to find out more about the business, challenges and how he found the accelerator programme.?

Can you tell us about Awaretag? ?

Awaretag is an AI platform that helps to improve homes’ insulation, heating and ventilation. This is done through self-install sensor technology that creates a 3D model of the building where virtual improvements can be made to see the savings and benefits of certain home improvements.?

Climate change has been affecting people all over the country. Thousands of families are still living in cold, damp homes unable to afford the energy to keep them comfortable or suffering from health conditions in the heat of summer. Awaretag is supporting those that want to adapt their homes but aren’t sure where to start.?

What challenges are you facing??

One of the biggest challenges we are currently facing is the supply chain for electronics. COVID-19 and the increase in demand from electric car companies have made it difficult to source components. We manufactured a thousand sensors at the beginning of 2020, and we are now adapting our technology to work on low-power devices that are typically not used in the IoT space. ?

Through necessity, we have made technological leaps but also reverted to some old-school techniques, using electronics that have ‘gone out of fashion’ but are right for the job. With this, we are recycling electronics that would typically be thrown away.?

Other challenges include councils and housing providers wanting to create smart cities but being unable to find a business case or acceptance amongst residents. We have recognised this and applied our solution to be easily installed and engaged with by residents. Alongside this, we have designed a business model that can be flexible to financial and social priorities.?

What do you think about the tech ecosystem in the North East? ?

Sunderland has a fantastic ‘build it and they will come’ attitude. Some regions have taken a similar approach, but the scale of what has happened in the North East is greater. The enthusiasm for technology has started with the council and it is clear this is influencing how other established organisations view and explore technology, which has been leading to the creation of new opportunities.?

What inspired you to come from Bristol to join this accelerator??

Sunderland City Council and BAI Communications have created the biggest LoRaWAN network in the UK. We had already developed a WiFi and mobile network version of our 3D technology, but we wanted to create an accessible version for the most vulnerable. We started on the journey in Leeds where they had a large LoRaWAN network, and we could prove we could deliver plug-and-play technology to a diverse audience. ?

We wanted to explore the concept of a communications infrastructure that was managed on an industrial scale, so we could develop a cost model and business case that could work for cities.

What opportunities has the accelerator provided for you??

Although the accelerator has been short, it has enabled us to speak to one of the housing associations in Sunderland, engage with one of the regional energy distribution companies, and start a dialogue with one of the energy advisers in the North East. ?

We have also exchanged NDAs with one of the accelerator cohort members to see if we can develop a solution for the sector in which they currently work. Creating these links has made it clearer what recruitment in the North East could look like.?

What advice would you give to other emerging founders??

Your personal energy and conviction is vital. Being able to open up to others and take guidance is essential. Being adaptable and being able to pivot and form partnerships in this changing world is a must. Getting onto accelerators where people can help you navigate your journey is a godsend!?

Conclusion?

Thank you to Leonard from Awaretag for taking the time to speak to us. Learn more about the fantastic work Awaretag is doing here.

Keep your eyes peeled for future accelerator programmes that we have in the pipeline by following us on social media and checking out our website. ?