See.Sense to participate in Gov DIT Tech Export Academy Programme
Innovative cycling technology brand See.Sense has been named by the Government as one the first participants in the Department for International Trade’s (DIT) new Tech Export Academy programme.
A total of 30 companies have been selected to participate in the nine-month programme which aims to support selected companies in expanding their businesses in the Asia Pacific region. Over 100 companies applied for the programme across smart cities capabilities, from smart mobility and infrastructure to smart buildings and cyber security.
Irena McAlesse, co-Founder of See.Sense told Cycling Industry News, “We are now delighted to have received this recognition and support from the Department of International Trade to help us expand and grow our business into the Asia Pacific region. With the up-coming launch of our new GPS bike theft tracker, AIR, as well as our new B2B solution for bike fleet operators, this opportunity comes at a great time”.
See.Sense launched its first intelligent bike light on Kickstarter in 2013 and has seen the business grow significantly with its products now being used by more than 70,000 cyclists worldwide. Additionally, the company is also the official bike light and ride insights supplier to both British Cycling and Cycling Ireland.
The company further partnered with Dublin City Council and Vodafone earlier this year as their real time sensor data will be used to monitor near misses, collisions and cycle route activity in Dublin city centre.
McAlesse continued, “With Covid-19 and response to climate change, cities are increasingly prioritising cycling infrastructure to make it easy and safe for people to cycle. At See.Sense, we’ve been working with a number of cities in the UK and Europe, to use better quality cycling data, as well as engagement from their cycling communities, to inform decisions on how to plan, monitor and manage cycling infrastructure.”
The innovative bike light uses sensors to detect potentially risky situations, flashing brighter and faster to heighten visibility to other road users. The light processes sensor readings at around 800 times per second, allowing the collection of incredibly granular data, such as the quality of road surface the cyclist is riding over, their position on the road, their cadence and numerous other insights. Furthermore, Through the See.Sense mobile app, riders are able to share insights anonymously with Planners to help them improve public safety, reduce congestion and lower pollution in cities.
Supporting the programme are companies, PWC, Linklaters, Deloitte, KPMG, BDO, Taylor Wessing, EY, HSBC, Santander, Grant Thornton and Clifford Chance.
The programme will also include opportunities for the businesses to meet investors, undertake pitch training and learn about UK Export Finance support as well as participate in virtual trade missions to the Asia-Pacific region.
