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Technium Challenge 2004/05 winners

Technium Challenge Winners 2004/05

The 2004/05 competition attracted entries from 58 companies and 16 companies were shortlisted to Phase 2 receiving a business support and workshop package to develop their business concept into a complete business plan.  Sponsors included Siemens Business Services, BT, Eversheds, Strategem, Sony, Venture Wales and Finance Wales. 

John Bigerstaff & Karl Glenn

Left to right: John Bigerstaff & Karl Glenn (ETL Solutions)


ETL Solutions - Winner


ETL Solutions was launched following a management buy out of Prism Technologies which was secured by a tailored package of public-private investment, including Welsh Assembly Government grant aid and funding from Finance Wales.  The buy out not only safeguarded jobs but enabled ETL to develop the potential of its principle product - Transformation Manager (known as TM).  TM is a data integration software suite which enables companies to exchange and update complex data between different computer systems without costly reformatting.  It is targeted at the banking, retail and utilities sector globally. TM has already been adopted by blue chip financial institutions as part of their global trading systems; by oil companies to migrate historical data to new systems and by companies integrating their supply chain.  ETL Solutions also provide a back up service including training, mentoring, support and consultancy advice for the software.

Left to right: Stefan Liassides & Morgan Howells (Ubivisum), Gareth Hall (Chief Executive WDA), Karl Glenn & John Bigerstaff (ETL Solutions) and Tony Morris (BinarySafe)

Left to right: Stefan Liassides & Morgan Howells (Ubivisum), Gareth Hall (Chief Executive WDA), Karl Glenn & John Bigerstaff (ETL Solutions) and Tony Morris (BinarySafe)


BinarySafe - Runner-up

Ubivisum - Runner-up
Ubivisum based in Navigation Park, Abercynon has capitalised on the rapid growth of broadband technologies by developing a platform that distributes broadcast quality TV through broadband connections. A set top box converts the streams of TV through a normal aerial socket. Established by Marcus Liassides and co-founding director Morgan Howells the business has already exceeded its first year objectives.  Ubivisum has developed an Internet protocol (IPTV) end to end system and is further investing in providing voice and data over a single network.  This ‘triple play proposition allows consumers to subscribe to a single service that provides television, telephone and online services to the home - or office - over one connection from just one service provider.  The company has secured financial support for developing its product from the SMARTCymru scheme. The company is currently looking to launch to the student market through the UK academic network.



BinarySafe of Pontypridd was establishd in 2004 by Tony Morris, who with company chairman Andre Clark, Developed Red Menu - a method of protecting data on mobile phones by creating a hidden zone.  The technology enables a second hidden menu to exist alongside a mobile phone’s operating system menu.  It means confidential data, such as contact details, spread sheets etc can be stored on the mobile and remain undetected in the event the handset or SIM card was lost or stolen.  A patent has been filed for the technology which has numerous applications, particularly for professionals, such as solicitors and accountants, who may need to store client information on their mobiles or the medical sector which could utilise its capability to transfer secure data.

Technium Challenge 2004/05 participants’ comments:

“Winning Technium Challenge is a fabulous boost to ETL Solutions, both operationally and in terms of morale.  It is wonderful to gain recognition for what we believe is a world class product and company and we feel very privileged to be given the opportunity to be a part of the Technium network which will help us significantly in our next stage of development.”   
Karl Glenn, ETL Solutions (Winner)

“In addition to Technium Challenge adding credibility to the product I feel that having access to a panel of specialists has helped me to gain skills in areas where I have little business experience.”
Tony Morris, BinarySafe (Runner-up)

“When hearing about the Technium Challenge we immediately grabbed the opportunity to attend all of the seminars which, for us, coming from abroad, was excellent in order to better understand the UK business culture.”
Gregor Lundfall, Biomatrix Pharma Ltd (finalist)

"The numerous seminars, consultancy and above all support from those that run the Challenge has been great."
Mark Thomas, VSI-Thinking (finalist)

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