Samson VT: Digitalising after-sales support through AI
SamsonVT was born out of the frustration of engineers having to deal with paper based technical publications and manuals getting wet, ripped and simply full of overly complicated detail. Their idea was digitalise after sales support.
Through their IOT platform, they have created an interactive 3D model that provides everything that a technical publication offers in an easy to use mobile app. It works across multiple sectors from manufacturing to healthcare and defence to aerospace and they are working with world leading OEMs such as BAE systems, Braemar, BAC (Briggs Automotive Company) and Mazak.
How did KTN help?
Having received their first angel funding in January 2019, SamsonVT had aspirations to further develop and enhance their software platform to integrate AI technology.
At the time SamsonVT were part of the Nat West Accelerator Programme. Whilst attending the Advanced Engineering Show, the team at the accelerator programme introduced their owner Sam Burgess to Ben Peace, Head of Manufacturing at KTN. Acknowledging the company’s need to integrate AI technology into their software to make it more immersive, Ben introduced SamsonVT to Innovate UK and supported him to apply for and win a Smart Grant worth £500,000 at the start of April 2020 to create their AI platform.
As well as providing access to funding opportunities, KTN has also introduced SamsonVT to collaboration partners and customers that have been instrumental to the growth of the business including Autocraft Drive Train Solutions and BAE Systems.
In 2019, KTN invited SamsonVT to exhibit on Innovation Alley within the Smart Factory Expo exhibition – one of the largest events in the manufacturing calendar. SamsonVT met Mazak, a global manufacturer and distributor of machine tools, laser machines and automation solutions, who are now one of their biggest customers.
KTN also introduced SamsonVT to the Sci-Tech Daresbury facility in Warrington, which they now have a base at. This has introduced them to collaboration partners across industry, supply chain and academia.
Sam Burgess said:
As a new tech start-up, the early days are tough. You need to proactively open doors to partners, investors and customers. You’ve got to build your reputation and develop your own network but doing that on your own is very difficult. Having the support of the KTN behind us has been instrumental in helping SamsonVT obtain that credibility and recognition and put us in front of the decision makers. With the support we have received from KTN, we have now grown our business from 4 to 16 employees and significantly increased our turnover.
Impacts
KTN’s support has been instrumental in helping the business grow to 16 staff and significantly increase turnover.
KTN supported SamsonVT to obtain a £500k Smart Grant which has enabled them to fully develop their AI platform.
KTN has introduced SamsonVT to collaboration partners and customers including Autocraft and BAE Systems.
As an exhibitor on Innovation Alley in 2019 (organised by KTN), SamsonVT met Mazak who have now become their largest customer.