UK telecoms giant Virgin Media Business is running a competition to discover “Three New Things,” offering attractive support and resources to digital entrepreneurs across the country. The initial entry list has been narrowed down to 10 finalists — and many of them share a common focus on web technologies and connected devices.
It’s perhaps no surprise that a competition backed by a modern, future-focused company like Virgin Media would favour projects tied to the internet and smart devices. Below we review several of the finalists and outline what makes each one noteworthy ahead of the final decision on 12th March.
Heat Genius
Heat Genius offers an intelligent heating control system that shares some similarities with high-profile smart-thermostat products, but takes the concept further. In addition to allowing remote control from mobile devices, Heat Genius uses attachable units on radiator valves to control heating at the room level, turning individual radiators on or off as needed.
This room-by-room control reduces wasted energy and lets users keep only occupied spaces comfortably warm. By adding a wireless motion detector, Heat Genius can operate in a “Footprint Mode” that learns which rooms are used at which times and adjusts heating automatically, improving both comfort and efficiency.
Audio Analytic
Audio Analytic develops software that analyses audio patterns to detect, react to, and alert users to specific sounds. This capability is particularly useful in applications such as baby monitors, where the system can distinguish a baby’s cry from other ambient noises like a neighbour’s dog and only send meaningful alerts.
The company’s solution is built from two core products: the “Core Logger,” a lightweight software module that runs on the end device, and “Sound Packs,” curated profiles that define which sounds the system should identify and report. This modular approach enables integration into many consumer and professional products.
Globr
Globr describes itself as an instant messaging platform that removes language barriers by enabling users to type, translate, and chat from their mobile devices. While publicly available details are limited, the concept aims to make multilingual communication seamless within messaging apps.
If Globr’s translation and chat integration are as smooth as envisioned, the startup could become an attractive acquisition target for major mobile or technology companies looking to strengthen their multilingual and enterprise communication capabilities.
Taggled
As online video continues to grow — not only in consumption but also in user-generated content such as vlogs — creators are turning their channels into brands. Taggled offers a tool that lets viewers click on tagged objects in videos to get more information or make purchases directly, creating a bridge between video content and commerce.
By enabling interactive shopping and discovery within video, Taggled helps creators monetize content and provides viewers with a richer, actionable experience.
Ellumia
Learning habits are evolving, and Ellumia aims to meet demand for affordable, personalised online courses. Inspired by successful platforms that focus on practical skills, Ellumia promotes “affordable, personalised, effective learning for everyone.”
The company’s website includes demos showcasing a range of available courses, from practical classes like “Introduction to Excel” to creative topics such as “Colour Theory” for aspiring artists. Ellumia’s emphasis on accessible, varied coursework positions it for learners seeking targeted, skill-based education.
An expert panel will select the winner. The judges include international computing expert Dr Ling Ge, Emily Memarzia from the Technology Strategy Board, technology journalist Monty Munford, Ella Weston who leads WPP’s Stream initiative, and Rob Evans, Virgin Media’s Executive Director of Engineering.
Whichever finalist wins will receive mentorship and nurturing from Virgin Media Business throughout 2014, including guidance from Sir Richard Branson and tailored support to help turn their idea into a commercially viable product.
Who do you think should win Virgin Media’s “Three New Things” competition?