Sonarc - The world's first full audio frequency range, massless speaker technology platform, providing immersive and powerful sound from a smaller size.

Project Information

Sonarc Speaker

Grant agreement ID: 816414

DOI

10.3030/816414

Project closed

EC signature date 12 May 2018

Start date 1 June 2018

End date 30 November 2018

Funded under

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

SONARC INNOVATIONS LIMITED
Ireland

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Sonarc Speaker (Sonarc - The world's first full audio frequency range, massless speaker technology platform, providing immersive and powerful sound from a smaller size.)

Reporting period: 2018-06-01 to 2018-11-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Sonarc Innovations have created the world’s first full frequency range Audio Platform Technology (APT) without any moving parts (solid state). Sonarc’s APT provides clarity, immersive and powerful sound from a tiny size whilst reducing manufacturing costs and complexity.

Compared to existing state of the art moving cone speaker technology, Sonarc’s APT can take on a huge range of form factors, that allow for innovative speaker designs and functionality. For example, Sonarc’s APT can reduce a 3ft soundbar down to approximately 0.5ft in size. This reduction will enable manufactures to provide increased audio resolution in a compact form that is more cost effective to produce. In addition, Sonarc’s APT will enable new immersive and directional speaker technology that currently cannot be achieved due to the inherent limitations (size, frequency range etc) of moving cone speakers.

The objective of this feasibility study was to determine the commercial viability of Sonarc’s technology.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The study clarified the most appropriate direction for the company to take to achieve commercialisation of Sonarc’s APT. The study identified:
- The best market sectors for Sonarc Innovations to pursue
- The most appropriate business model to follow
- The best way to establish an EU based R&D company employing a highly skilled workforce
- The most appropriate investment strategy for the company
- An effective IP strategy based on best practice, demonstrated by successful Irish tech start-ups
- Sonarc’s Audio Platform Technology’s USP
The above resulting outcomes are elaborated upon in the feasibility study.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

This study highlighted the impact that a disruptive audio technology could have on the audio industry and its need for a compact speaker technology which will enable new and innovative speaker products and audio effects. This identified need was also underpinned by interest from both industry and audio experts in terms of functionality, convenience and form factor.

Sonarc’s APT has reached a demonstratable stage and its path to commercialisation is established. In addition, Sonarc Innovations have gained a greater insight into the audio market and industry needs and identified how Sonarc Innovations can develop an EU based technology company, focused on creating growth and knowledge-based employment within the EU. The next stage of this project is to secure the funding to take the technology to commercialisation with appropriate industry partners.

Sonarc Logo