The challenge

Depixen was in the process of developing ArchiPick®, a growing ecosystem of interconnected digital libraries that enables architects, acoustic consultants, engineers and other built environment professionals to discover, compare and evaluate construction products using trusted, structured and intelligent data.

As part of the platform's ongoing development, Depixen identified an opportunity to strengthen the acoustic vertical within the ArchiPick® ecosystem by advancing Archilyser, its intelligent acoustic analysis solution. The aim was to build a more robust acoustic analysis framework which was able to combine acoustic performance data, regulatory and accreditation requirements, sustainability considerations and intelligent decision-support methods so the platform could deliver a more informed product selection.

To accelerate development, Depixen needed to collaborate with leading acoustics experts as they did not hold this specialist knowledge in-house.

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The solution

Through the BIG Growth Innovation Programme, Depixen established an academic–industry collaboration with LSBU's School of Engineering. The partnership was led byProfessor Stephen Dance and supported by the LSBU Acoustic Laboratory team and facilities.

In total, the collaboration delivered 94 hours of specialist academic support. 86.5 hours were direct academic support and eight hours were dedicated to R&D, feasibility and product development. The project team met regularly through structured online and face-to-face workshops, technical discussions and iterative development sessions.

Together, the team:

• Investigated and validated acoustic material databases
• Reviewed acoustic methodologies, regulatory and accreditation requirements, and performance data
• Refined Archilyser's technical architecture and intelligent decision-support and filtering logic
• Introduced structured R&D, risk management and data-validation processes into Depixen's own development practice
• Translated specialist scientific expertise into practical digital innovation

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Results and impact

The collaboration significantly strengthened the technical foundations of Archilyser, moving it from an early proof of concept to a robust, technically validated solution.

Key results:

• Developed and standardised a validated ISO 11654-aligned acoustic materials database
• Integrated Archilyser into Depixen's existing AI software, automating and enhancing the architectural design phase of construction projects
• Embedded new-to-firm processes including structured R&D frameworks, risk and project governance, and sustainability/compliance integration workflows
• Combined acoustic performance data, sustainability metrics (including environmental product declarations and carbon data) and regulatory compliance into a single platform
• Integrated Archilyser with Depixen's wider ArchiPick® ecosystem
• Improved sustainability data to support lower-embodied-carbon material selection (future project-level carbon savings also expected as adoption scales)
• One full-time Technical Product Developer / Data Systems Lead role safeguarded (meeting UKSPF's "Good Job" and "Green Job" criteria)

Beyond the technical outcomes, the project reduced technical uncertainty and strengthened Archilyser's commercial value proposition, therefore improving readiness for market adoption. It also established a long-term strategic partnership with LSBU, culminating in a signed Memorandum of Understanding to explore further joint research, innovation and commercial opportunities.

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Reflections and programme value

[Insert name here and job title here]

“The BIG Growth Programme created an outstanding opportunity for meaningful collaboration with London South Bank University. Working closely with Professor Stephen Dance and the LSBU Acoustic Laboratory provided invaluable scientific insight that significantly strengthened the development of Archilyser and the technical foundations of our platform. Beyond the project itself, the collaboration has evolved into a long-term partnership that continues to support our innovation journey and future growth.”

Professor Stephen Dance, Academic Lead

"The regular team engagement allowed Depixen to genuinely absorb the underlying methodology, not just receive a report. From an institutional perspective, the collaboration delivered strong applied knowledge exchange value, translating LSBU expertise directly into a new-to-market product with international follow-on interest."

Alex Hokin, Project Manager

‍“This is what the BIG Growth Innovation Programme is designed to do - connect a business with real commercial ambition to the specialist academic expertise it couldn’t otherwise access, and turn that into a standards-compliant, market-ready product. The Depixen collaboration shows the model working exactly as intended, right through to a signed MoU and international follow-on interest.”

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Future plans

Depixen will continue developing ArchiPick® and Archilyser as part of its vision to build trusted AI infrastructure for the built environment.

Momentum from the collaboration is already opening further opportunities such as:

• Wider integration and expansion of the materials database
• Established links with Foster + Partners to explore integration with existing architectural software infrastructure
• Continued collaboration with LSBU under the signed Memorandum of Understanding
• Full commercial market launch is targeted for Q1 2027

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The 2025/26 BIG Growth Innovation Programme was fully funded by The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). It is programme of support for South London start-ups, SME’s and community-based companies in Health & Life Sciences, Net Zero & Nature, Experience & Visitor Economy and Creative.The UKSPF is a central pillar of the UK government’s improvement agenda and provides funding for local investment. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.