Mutant Labs, who describe themselves as a new breed of 'media scientists’, specialise in unique interactive projects, iPhone development, flash development and web design, and have found their skills to be in great demand. Over the past year they have built up a list of local, national and international clients, and have recently created an interactive game for the Channel 5 programme The Gadget Show. They have also completed work for high profile London agencies, as well as building a video streaming platform for the Plymouth-based young person’s talent channel, Chew TV.
Managing Director, Alex Ryley attributes the University’s Digital Art and Technology course for giving them the skills required to set up their own business:
“After taking a module together on our course, myself and four of my course mates decided that starting a business and working together was something that we would like to explore after university. With such an uncertain future facing many graduates due to the economic slump, starting our own company seemed to make more sense. We could combine the skills learnt during our course to help us stand out by offering high-quality design and development services.”
Starting their business in a tough economic climate, with no outside investment was difficult. However the support of Formation Zone has meant that within 12 months the company is already looking to expand, particularly with regard to the growing South West digital media industry and building stronger ties between Plymouth and other parts of the region.
“The support we have received in Formation Zone has allowed us to focus more attention on developing our own unique IP and divert some time and resource to exploring new projects and ideas. They have been able to accommodate our business growth by allowing us to have our own office within Formation Zone. Finding that the University is so keen to support new and developing businesses through its pre-incubation space has been great, especially as a start-up business, it can often be difficult to find and qualify for assistance.”
Alex Ryley, Managing Director, Mutant Labs
