BELFAST app design company, 360 Production, has produced a ground-breaking app that will be used by the BBC in a massive citizen science project to track how deadly a deadly pandemic could be spread across the UK.
BBC Four’s documentary ‘Contagion: BBC 4 Pandemic’ will use the app to collect over 24 hours, showing app users travel habits, showing how a lethal pandemic could be carried across all parts of the country.
The results will be broadcast in a 90-minute landmark programme on 27th February on BBC 4.
Developed with the support of Invest NI, this is the latest major client for 360 Productions.
Antony Fraser, CEO of 360 Production said: “Invest NI’s ongoing advice and support has been invaluable in helping us to transform an initial concept into a viable product very quickly. We used the R&D support to work collaboratively with local company, Big Motive, to develop the BBC Pandemic app. The app will be used to collect data which will drive the content of the documentary.”
360 Production has partnered with the BBC to produce this landmark factual documentary. The company also boasts clients including Smithsonian Channel, Discovery Channel, PBS, ARTE, Channel 4, Channel 5 and YouTube.
“As well as securing this production contract with the BBC, we have also received interest from TV outlets in the US to produce a similar show. This is hugely encouraging and our next steps are to push the technology into Australia and Europe and raise our profile in these new markets”, added the 360 Production chief.
Invest NI offered the company £41,885 of R&D support towards the development of the app.
Dr Vicky Kell, Invest NI’s Director of Innovation, Research & Development said: “360 Production is working at the forefront of TV production.
“With our support, the company has undertaken R&D for the first time and in turn it has opened up a whole new market for its business and increased its potential for export growth. This project demonstrates the wide range of areas that can be positively impacted by innovation of which research & development is part.
“Investing in innovation will give a business a great chance of success. There are many aspects to innovation from developing new processes, improving packaging, or refining and developing new products. I would encourage local businesses to take advantage of the full range of Invest NI support on offer to engage in innovation and ensure the long-term future of their business.”
Invest NI’s R&D support is part funded by ERDF under the EU Investment for Growth and Jobs Programme 2014-2020.