A PhD student from Aberystwyth University has won two major awards for creating a device that helps people with speech impairments. The invention uses artificial intelligence to improve communication and has already gained recognition for its potential.
Harry Warne, the student behind the device, received both the Social Enterprise Award and the Science & Technology Award. He said:
Harry Warne said:
“I’m really grateful to the organisers and judges for their support. Winning the competition means I can move beyond the proof-of-concept stage and towards a portable prototype, as well as develop a business to support my idea’s further development. I’ve got a difficult but exciting road ahead, and I feel very lucky to be supported at this early stage.”
Other students were also recognised for their innovative projects. Joint winners of the Science & Technology Award, Louis Angelo Summers and Toby Allington, are working on Heartguard, a supplement and app to support heart health.
The Eco Business Award went to Computer Science student Eleni Ziu, who is developing a company to grow tea locally. In the Creative Arts category, Ash Jayy Simmons Black was celebrated for launching a PR agency aimed at helping romance novelists.
The Local Enterprise Award was given to a team of students running a gardening business that offers affordable services and part-time work for other students. The awards, worth more than £20,000, were supported by donations from Aberystwyth alumni and the Research Wales Innovation Fund.
