Wrexham’s Robert Corcoran has scooped a national award from the government body Innovate UK. The prestigious award will support Robert and his company, 73 Degree Films, in investigating new uses of AI in live streaming and how it may affect the creative economy. Innovate UK is currently delivering a £6.2 million boost to the UK’s future innovation leaders.
Building on the success of Innovate UK’s programmes, like Women in Innovation and Young Innovators, this latest funding will find and support the fresh innovation talent the UK needs.
Robert Corcoran is among the 233 high-potential innovators who were awarded grants. Critically, they will also receive 12 months of tailored business support to help them grow, stimulating the UK’s economy.
Robert’s idea aims to look at how new AI systems will affect live streaming.
Major Challenges
He says, “It means a lot to me to be recognised as an innovator by the UK’s innovation agency. I’m always pushing myself to use creativity to solve problems. Looking at live streaming at this moment, it’s clear there are some major challenges coming up in relation to AI.”
Robert is no stranger to “innovative” uses of live streaming. In 2022, to coincide with the launch of Disney+’s ‘Welcome to Wrexham,’ Robert lived inside a 24/7 live stream in premises on Mount Street. He watched Ryan Reynolds’ movie Green Lantern 100 times in a row.
“I’m currently in the process of speaking with people that enjoy watching streams or streaming themselves, in order to improve the ideas I’m working on. If anyone wants to take part, please email contact@73degreefilms.com.”
This new award programme is Innovate UK’s most engaged funding competition ever. Over 2,100 entrepreneurs applied for funding and business mentorship.
Discover New Career Paths
There is an urgent need to transform the UK’s skills and talent pipeline by inspiring and connecting people to new opportunities and pathways into innovation. Innovate UK also estimates that 400,000 more innovators need to receive support to achieve the UK’s full economic potential.
Innovate UK has joined forces with over 150 partner organisations to launch its free and accessible No Limits digital platform. It makes it easy to discover new career paths, sharpen skills and also access opportunities to develop life-changing innovations.
If you’re an aspiring innovator, or a business looking to connect with new talent, check out nolimits.ukri.org to find support and inspiration.
Follow 73 Degree Films on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to check on Rob’s work and the project’s progress.
Click here to see more of our community articles.
