The use of virtual and augmented reality to collect and analyse consumers’ biometric data, and match it to garment patterns, is one of three exploratory projects awarded £30,000 from Interface through a funding call to boost innovation among groups of business and academics.

Interface, which matches businesses and academics for innovative research and development projects, awarded the funding after recommendations by a panel of industry experts.

The funding call targeted collaborations in three sectors with specific themes in each – harnessing data (creative industries), integrity across the supply chain (food & drink) and circular economy (tourism) – with the potential to transform the sectors.

The successful projects are:

Virtual fitting and product customisation

Textiles Scotland and the University of Strathclyde are exploring the use of virtual and augmented reality to collect and analyse consumers’ biometric data and match it to garment patterns. The project will help tailors and bespoke manufacturers to increase efficiency, productivity and customer satisfaction by customising clothing, maximising fit, and minimising garment adjustment time thereby reducing material wastage.

Mycotoxins in Oats

This project aims to investigate the risk of mycotoxin (fungal toxin) contamination in Scottish oats as an emerging issue for Scottish oat production.  The University of Aberdeen will collaborate with partners from different sectors across the food supply chain including primary producers, processors as well as the Scottish Organic Producers Association with the ultimate goal to protect the quality of home-grown Scottish oats and deliver health benefits to consumers.

Circular Economy Modelling

The University of Strathclyde will partner with Arran’s hospitality sector, represented by VisitArran and the EcoSavvy Community. Working alongside Topolytics, a data and analytics business, they will develop innovative and sophisticated decision support models to assess the operational, environmental and economic performance of various waste processing pathways. The project will work towards developing a circular economy for Arran and contribute to their vision to become the first Scottish sustainable island.

Howell Davies, Sector Engagement Project Manager at Interface, said: “Funding collaborations like these can bring about really positive solutions to a range of businesses, supply chains and, in this case, even a whole island, leading to positive impacts on the economy and environment. We’re really excited by these latest projects and look forward to seeing the outcomes.”

The funding awarded to each project will be matched by the businesses in kind or in cash.