Digital DJ

Sep 14, 2023

Liverpool startup secured Innovate UK funding ahead of headline Digital Fashion Week performance at weekend Share: Sum Vivas debuted its digital DJ Dex at Digital Fashion Week New York last weekend. The startup has also been awarded funding from Innovate UK’s Creative Catalyst 2023 programme to continue its development of real-time interaction with intelligent digital humans. Founded in 2022, Liverpool-based Sum Vivas specialises in creating interactive, AI-powered digital humans, environments, clothing and 3D digital assets for use in both the physical and digital worlds. Digital Fashion Week New York saw the worlds of fashion and tech collide to explore innovation in the fashion industry from design concept to consumer. “The funding and overall support this programme brings to Sum Vivas will be invaluable for our groundbreaking research and development programme, which will be used to perfect the real-time interaction of digital humans across a wide variety of uses,” said CEO Rob Sims. “It is also a testament to the great efforts we are making in the area of responsible technology – ensuring our innovations not only benefit society but adhere to the highest ethical standards. “Sum Vivas remains committed to the ethical development of technology  and AI and we continue to collaborate extensively with industry leaders, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders to establish robust guidelines and best practices for our customers.” Dex – described as digital human by day, DJ by night – will also be appearing at other key tech events this month, including Digital Fashion Week at Epic Games Innovation Lab, London (September 15-16), and Monnier Paris (September 28-29). On Dex’s performance at Digital Fashion Week New York, Denise Harris, chief creative officer, said: “This was an incredible opportunity to develop at a global scale and meet with brands who are increasingly collaborating with digital humans due to the many advantages they offer, such as greater flexibility in shaping their image and eliminating potential conflicts. “With advancements in technology, digital humans have transcended their initial use in video games and special effects to emerge as credible brand ambassadors across various industries and are increasingly integrated into entertainment, advertising, and social media campaigns.”