A QUEEN'S University undergraduate behind new product to improve sound quality between a guitar and an amplifier, has won the top prize at the Catalyst Invent Awards.
Electronics and electrical engineering student Lewis Loane from Newtownards, was presented with a package worth £13,000 in front of 700 people at last night’s event at the Belfast ICC’s Waterfront.
He developed his Signal Optimiser product after playing a guitar in a shop and realising there was a disconnect between how music sounds when using different types of amplifiers. Now after several prototypes, he said the finished product allows for 100 per cent of the sound quality to be transferred seamlessly from an amplifier to an instrument.
He set up his own company TORANN earlier in the year.
Invent programme manager Karen Hall said the student was a worthy winner.
“His pitch was on-point, he was cool under pressure and he has picked up so many skills throughout the whole process which make him a force to be reckoned with in business.
“I’m sure he will inspire the next generation of inventors to follow their dreams and aim big.”
Gavin Kennedy from awards sponsor Bank of Ireland UK said the event continues to provide a platform for innovation and entrepreneurialism.
“Lewis’s success with his Signal Optimiser product is a first, becoming Invent’s inaugural undergraduate winner of the overall competition and alongside many of this year’s entries highlights the strength and depth of Northern Ireland’s young tech innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.
“Congratulations to all the finalists and category winners this year, we need you to keep going and inspire others to help Northern Ireland’s business community to grow and thrive.”
Last night also saw Anaeko co-founder Dennis Murphy named as the 2019 innovation founder, joining a list of people recognised for their success in founding, leading or building a celebrated local innovative business.
The awards presented £3,000 across six categories to each of the Invent 2019 winners:
CropSafe (agri science); Signal Optimiser (electronics); Airbrio (life and health science); Concrete Jungle (engineering); Personalcarer.co.uk (creative media and consumer internet); Obbi Solutions (enterprise software).
