High-speed imaging tech from Heriot-Watt University has received funding from the Scottish Enterprise High Growth Spinout Programme to begin commercialisation.

The project is set to fundamentally alter how biomedical science, engineering, and combustion research is conducted through an advanced high-speed camera that uses full colour, HD resolution at millions of frames per second.

Heriot-watt researchers have developed a camera that uses a ‘novel architecture and advanced mathematical algorithms’ to deliver high resolution images across its full speed range.

The camera has also been produced at a lower manufacturing cost than other market products by using ‘off-the-shelf’ components, allowing for affordable access high-speed imaging.

Researchers said they hoped that the new tech could have extensions beyond traditional R&D to support industries that require high-speed imaging tech, such as rail transportation, manufacturing, medicine, and quantum photonics.

Dr Xu Wang, inventor of the technology and an associate professor at the Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, commented: “The most significant limit of existing high-speed cameras is poor resolution at high-frame rate coupled with high cost.

“Our ground-breaking camera technology provides an affordable market solution that delivers ultra-high speed without compromising high resolution thanks to its superior design and lower manufacturing cost.

“This funding will accelerate the commercialisation of our research to create a product capable of disrupting existing and new markets. The support of the enterprise team at Heriot-Watt University and Scottish Enterprise provides an incredible opportunity to build a profitable, industry-leading business at pace that is focused on driving further innovation in the field of camera technology in Scotland and beyond.”

The commercial application of high-speed cameras requires significantly faster image acquisition to capture the detail of extremely rapid, often transient events in applications such as microfluidics, fluidic dynamics, and ballistics studies.

Most current high-speed imaging systems can achieve ultra-high frame rates, but do so at the expense of image resolution, making image quality a significant challenge.

Additionally, these systems are very expensive, creating a potential financial barrier to industry and research organisations wishing to access the technology.

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Victoria Carmichael, Director of Strategic Investment at Scottish Enterprise, said: “Our High Growth Spinout Programme works with leading academics all over Scotland to help turn their innovative ideas into successful business ventures.

“Scotland has a long history of world-changing ingenuity and the team at Heriot-Watt has, with this camera, created a truly industry-changing and cost-effective product with the potential to deliver enhanced results for both commercial businesses and academic institutions.

“In Scotland we are very fortunate to have a host of enterprising, world-leading universities that can help drive economic recovery and growth in key sectors.”

David Richardson, Chief Entrepreneurial Executive at Heriot-Watt University, added: “Heriot-Watt University has an extensive track-record of delivering commercial, strategic and innovation support that drives real-life impact of academic discovery in existing and new industry markets.

“With the financial backing of Scottish Enterprise, we look forward to developing Dr Wang’s research into a world-class enterprise capable of disrupting the status-quo in high-speed imaging.

“Our GRID facility brings together a diverse range of skills and expertise that fosters a highly collaborative environment where academics can transform their research into innovative, industry-leading businesses.”

Richardson added: “We look forward to working in partnership with all those involved to access a world-class talent pool, R&D opportunities and further investment to help deliver scale at pace.”

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