700599IoT AmpClosedGRD Proof of MarketInnovate UKAs an UK-based guitar amplifier manufacturer, Blackstar have an international reputation for innovation & sound quality. We have previously used grant funding to challenge the state of the art through digital technology and offer entirely new product ranges. This has had a significant impact on amplifier sales with Blackstar rising to No.2 in the US in under 2 years. With this precedent, we are keen to again innovate in digital amplification and undertake a Proof of Market research project to justify investment in our IoT Amp concept. IoT Amp is an Internet of Things device that will allow multiple or individual musicians around the world to play together and achieve high quality audio using their broadband connection. This technology will facilitate remote rehearsals & teaching, and allow users to collaborate via their amp in live sessions. We have already identified latency as the biggest technical issue in the delivery of this concept. We are proposing a dedicated hardware/software solution that performs sound processing faster than generic hardware such as PCs. With faster internet connections and through peer to peer technology, we believe it is possible to reduce the latency to an acceptable level utilising the technical experience of Blackstar’s digital research team. However, this is far from proven. As a technically high risk project with an unknown market, a Proof of Market research project is essential for us to understand the market and customer needs, the technological challenges, and our commercialisation options. Should the results of the research prove positive, we will look to develop the project through Proof of Concept and Development of Prototype funding. As a result of R&D, we intend to offer a range of Blackstar IoT amplifiers and an independent device that will allow any amplifier to connect remotely. Not just limited to guitarists, this technology will allow any amplified instrument to connect and recreate the live band experience online.