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A Glasgow-based startup that specializes in advanced image processing hopes to launch its cameras into space after securing support from a startup loan program to take the business to new heights. increase.
Launched in January 2022 by metasurface physicists Charles Altuzarra and Yash Shah, Metahelios is the first of its kind to be able to distinguish different materials from still images, potentially benefiting a wide range of fields. created a long-range camera. To prove the capabilities of remote imaging technology, the two are in talks with the British Space Agency, and he will take part in one of this year’s rocket launches from mainland Britain.
Charles and Yash recently received £25,000 each through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme, backed by Transmit Startups. In total, £50,000 of funding will allow us to invest in building and testing prototypes as well as growing our team.
Capturing 100,000 frames per second, Metahelios’ cameras use metasurfaces to manipulate light passing through materials, allowing you to see the difference between objects that look exactly the same to the naked eye in still images. Cameras can be used, for example, in agriculture to remotely monitor crops, climate scientists to watch cloud formations, and the aerospace sector to monitor space debris in orbit. .
Metasurfaces are man-made electromagnetic materials specifically engineered to affect radio, microwave, light and acoustic waves, an emerging technology identified as a priority area in the UK Government’s 2021 Innovation Strategy.[1].
Remote sensing has been studied since the 1970s, but currently the only devices that can use imaging to detect a wide variety of substances are large, consisting of many moving parts, including rotating mirrors, and can be used to detect turbulence into space. It may not withstand the journey of Metahelios’ new pixelated metasurface integration technology is compact in comparison and could provide a significant boost to satellite imagery systems.
According to a Lux Research report[2]the global market for metasurface technologies could reach $10.7 billion by 2030, with sensing accounting for $5.5 billion.
Dr. Charles Altuzarra, co-founder and CEO of Metahelios, said: We have conducted various tests in the lab and on the ground so far, but the evidence and data that can be collected via satellite is invaluable for growing our business and taking our cameras to the next level.
“The Scottish space and satellite technology scene is booming and we have spoken with a number of companies interested in trialling our imaging technology in a variety of applications. It’s a small business with big ambitions to be at the forefront of the industry, and funding from the Startup Loan Program has provided a welcome boost to help us reach our goals.”
Metahelios is one of over 900 Glasgow-based companies that have received over £7.5m in funding from the Start Up Loans program since the scheme was launched in 2012.
The entrepreneur has plans to develop additional imaging products over the next six months and will explore additional sectors, including healthcare, to support early diagnosis of cancer and research into other diseases. am.
Barry McCulloch, Senior Manager, UK Network, Scotland, British Business Bank, said: sector. Supporting innovative entrepreneurs is an important part of strengthening the UK’s position as a scientific superpower, and access to funding is essential for business owners undertaking significant R&D activities to bring their ideas to life. to the next level. “
Charles and Yash submitted their business plan to Transmit Startups, and Senior Business Advisor Alan Tweddell assisted them through the application process. Alan says: I am impressed that Charles and Yash have combined their different areas of technical expertise to have the potential to change the future of imaging technology. It was a pleasure and a privilege to help them bring their own camera to market. “
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