Blackford aims for stars with funding deal

A NEW software company founded by astronomy experts at Edinburgh University will embark on an ambitious development programme at home and in the US after securing a six-figure funding package.

Blackford Analysis opens for business tomorrow after attracting finance from backers, including American angel investors and the Scottish Enterprise Seed Fund.

The patented software was developed to determine the age of stars in the universe, although the technology can be applied to many sectors where processing large amounts of data is routine, including seismic interpretation for oil and gas surveying, and fast image analysis for defence.

Blackford's initial focus has been in medical imaging, where its technology can improve the diagnosis process for MRI and CT scans by automatically preparing images for radiologists.

Ben Panter, chief executive, said: "The potential to save radiologists time is exciting. If widely implemented, the savings from our technology could amount to millions per year. We already have concrete interest in further development from several significant industry players."

The research idea was assisted through Scottish Enterprise's Proof of Concept Programme and High Growth Startup Unit. The research was sponsored by the Science and Technology Facilities Council, which provided further funds through a Follow On Fund award.

The company has appointed Conrad Chin, formerly product director of medical imaging start-up Voxar, as its chairman.