InputDynamics wins funding for TouchDevice

Cambridge University spin-out InputDynamics has been awarded a Pathfinder Investment from Cambridge Enterprise - the university’s commercialisation office - to continue the development of its TouchDevice software, which simulates a touch screen in inexpensive mobile phones.

The software relies on an acoustic signal produced by the user tapping on the display screen of a phone, the company’s proprietary algorithms and existing handset hardware such as an on-board microphone and microprocessor.

’We believe InputDynamics has great potential,’ said Dr Geraldine Rodgers, head of Cambridge Enterprise Seed Funds. Its software is a truly innovative technology that could well be used in millions of mobile phones worldwide.’

InputDynamics’ user interface is not limited to the display screen of a phone - a user can tap or swipe on the entirety of the handset casework too. Hence the software can allow designers to provide alternative ways for users to interface with devices while freeing them from the limitations of conventional user interfaces, which are confined to keypads and touch screens.

TouchDevice will also enable handset manufacturers to extend the life of their investment in existing phones by retrofitting software-only touch-screen functionality.

The company is seeking to raise £1m to fast track the delivery of TouchDevice to handset manufacturers and take it to profitability within the next 24-30 months.