720247Capito Systems LtdClosedGRD Development of PrototypeInnovate UKOur Intelligent Mobile Speech Assistant technology offers a unique and novel opportunity to exploit a wide array of markets globally. Taking advantage of leading-edge university research, this project willl develop a prototype system designed to augment mobile e- Commerce applications with a contextual speech “assistant” (or “virtual assistant”). In building the prototype the system encompasses an “eco-system” which can be used in whole or in part to extend the commercial exploitation opportunities to an even wider array of applications and uses with enhanced functionality, revolutionising mobile computing compared with existing ‘virtual assistants’ (VAs). Voice-enabled mobile “virtual assistants” (VAs) are not new - Apple’s “Siri” has popularised them, but none is able to tackle transactional commerce applications because of the complexity of the task, instead focusing on search and dictation-type apps. We have spent time validating the market opportunities and have a number of companies already interested in our proposed prototype for their mobile apps. Our speech assistant will offer greater intelligence and interactivity, enabling complex apps like transactional eCommerce apps to be augmented with a speech-enabled "virtual assistant" so users can control and interact with them using voice without the need to touch/click their way through lengthy menus and a multitude of options. Evidence shows that commerce apps which are easy and convenient to use have a higher take-up rate and complete many more transactions than the majority which are cumbersome to use. In support of our business plans, we have a number of sophisticated technology investors and industry insiders who have recently backed our venture.