‍Setting the scene

Memo360's innovative “exergaming” platform blends motion-sensing technology with engaging gameplay to simultaneously support the physical and mental health of people with dementia.

With the support of the UKSPF BIG Growth Innovation Programme at London South Bank University (LSBU), Memo360 founder Alon Stoerman worked with academic and technical experts to overcome key development barriers and build a functional prototype.

The challenge

Alon's personal experience growing up with a grandmother affected by dementia was the catalyst for Memo360. Despite decades of research identifying the value of physical activity, cognitive stimulation, and social engagement in slowing dementia progression, there were few affordable, accessible tools delivering these benefits in a scalable way.

“We knew from research what could help – but there were no holistic or user-friendly solutions so that's what we set out to build.”
Alon Stoerman, Founder

The team faced several early-stage challenges:

• Technical complexity: building real-time hand gesture recognition with webcams and integrating it smoothly into gameplay

• Market bias: overcoming assumptions that older adults can’t or won’t use gaming technology

• Financial strain: developing a product without consistent income while needing to fund R&D, marketing, and operations

• Navigating academia: collaborating with universities, though valuable, brought its own complexity and learning curve

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The solution

Memo360 joined the fully funded BIG Growth Innovation Programme at London South Bank University (LSBU). This tailored academic partnership provided Alon with a combination of strategic input, technical execution, and design refinement.

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Academic expertise

Associate Professor and Deputy Head of Computer Science and Informatics, Lucia Otoyo, from LSBU's School of Engineering led on requirements gathering, planning, and quality assurance. Her involvement helped shape the technical roadmap and ensure the final product was both user-friendly and scientifically credible.

“It was rewarding. Alon’s passion was contagious, and the fact that the game was designed to improve lives gave it a real sense of purpose.”
Lucia Otoyo, LSBU

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Technical development

Game developer and student consultant, Samuele Amaddio, from LSBU’s School of Arts and Creative Industries, developed the exergame prototype using Unity.

“This was my first professional development experience, and it taught me a lot. The gesture tracking system was both the hardest and most rewarding part of the project.”
Samuele Amaddio, Game Developer

His role included:

• Designing engaging gameplay around a grocery collection task

• Integrating real-time hand tracking via webcam

• Conducting performance optimisation across hardware setups

• Running extensive testing to ensure functionality and responsiveness

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‍The results

The collaboration led to the development of a fully functional prototype tailored to people with dementia. The key achievements include:

• Gesture-based interaction: real-time hand gesture recognition enables intuitive, controller-free gameplay

• Accessibility: the system works across different hardware, requiring no specialist setup

• Engagement: the grocery-themed game encourages natural arm movement, delivering physical benefits in a fun, user-friendly way

Importantly, the prototype was not just a technical proof-of-concept, but a step toward validating a product with the potential to reduce the societal and financial burden of dementia care.

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Reflections: what went well, and lessons learned

• Academic collaboration proved essential in translating research into a real product

• Student involvement brought fresh energy and technical skill

• Focus on usability meant the game could be used without complex calibration – a key requirement for the target audience

• Expanded functionality incorporating more nuanced gestures could improve the experience, allowing for richer user interaction

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The future of Memo360

With a working prototype complete, Alon now plans to refine the game mechanics, collect user feedback from dementia care organisations, and scale the product through clinical validation and further investment. Continued partnerships with LSBU and programmes like the BIG Growth Innovation Programme will be instrumental in this journey.

“We’re just at the beginning. Our vision is to make dementia care more dignified, joyful and accessible – and programmes like BIG Growth help turn that ambition into reality.”
Alon Stoerman

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Final thoughts for other startups

From both the business and academic sides, one message is clear: collaborative innovation is key and…

“Validate your idea early. Don’t spend months building something that doesn’t meet a real need.”
Lucia Otoyo

“Know your users. That insight will guide everything.”
Samuele Amaddio

“Always start by understanding the problem deeply – the solution comes from that clarity.”
Alon Stoerman

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About the programme

The BIG Growth Innovation Programme was delivered by LSBU with funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, administered by the greater London Authority. It connected South London businesses with academic expertise across four strategic clusters: health & life sciences, net zero & nature, experience & visitor economy, and creative & digital through structured, funded collaborations with LSBU and partner universities.

This project was funded by the Mayor of London and UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The aim of the UKSPF was to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.