Igniting Innovation: SKC Studios’ Journey as The EpiCentre’s Founding Trailblazer
In 2019, SKC Studios became the very first company to join us at The EpiCentre, setting the stage for a partnership that would help shape the future of innovation in Haverhill and beyond. Over the past five years, we have proudly watched SKC Studios evolve from a creative game development studio into a pioneering force in AI-powered customer engagement. Their flagship product, 1956 Individuals, an AI-powered platform of emotionally intelligent avatars, is redefining how people interact with information and experience brands.
From Game Worlds to Real-World Impact
SKC Studios began as SKC Games Studio, fuelled by a passion for crafting emotionally intelligent game environments. Their team was determined to push boundaries, embedding advanced AI into non-player characters (NPCs) to create authentic, engaging connections. As their technology matured, so did their vision. Recognising the transformative potential of their innovations, SKC Studios pivoted from gaming to enterprise AI, developing avatars capable of natural conversation, emotional awareness, and personalised engagement across sectors including museums, healthcare, and retail.
This bold transition marked a new era in human-computer interaction. Today, 1956 Individuals is making waves with cultural institutions like Bletchley Park and Leeds Castle, and is powering a new healthcare project. The platform’s versatility is opening doors in retail, hospitality, and tourism, enabling organisations to build meaningful relationships, one conversation at a time.
A Creative Team with Vision
At the heart of 1956 Individuals is a multi-BAFTA award-winning creative team whose passion for storytelling and human connection sets SKC Studios apart. Their artistic expertise brings emotional depth to every avatar, ensuring each character is not only visually compelling but also capable of fostering genuine, empathetic engagement. This unique blend of narrative and digital ingenuity is what makes 1956 Individuals trusted, relatable, and truly impactful.
Innovation Rooted in Empathy and Ethics
SKC Studios’ mission is underpinned by a deep commitment to ethical AI, grounded in transparency, privacy, and inclusion. Their approach ensures avatars are not just technically advanced and multilingual, but emotionally resonant. With features like advanced facial expression recognition and contextual understanding, each character delivers an engaging, human-centred experience. This blend of responsible innovation with creativity has earned the reputation for SKC Studios as a global leader in scalable, impactful AI solutions.
Milestones That Inspire
In the past year, 1956 Individuals has achieved several milestones. Notably, the AI Alan Turing, developed in partnership with Bletchley Park, will offer visitors immersive, unscripted conversations about Turing’s life. The creation of AI Queen Eleanor of Castile for Leeds Castle is set to transform heritage interpretation with engaging, factual storytelling. AI Zoe Starling is part of the Commerical Team at SKC Studios and operates 24/7, supporting the sales team across multiple sectors and geographies.
A standout achievement is SKC Studios’ collaboration with Modality Partnership, one of the UK’s largest and most innovative GP super-partnerships. Together, they are adapting the 1956 Individuals platform to transform patient access and experience at the NHS “digital front door,” streamlining workflows and allowing clinicians to focus on compassionate care. This project, governed jointly and designed to meet NHS data protection and cybersecurity standards, positions SKC Studios at the forefront of healthcare innovation.
The EpiCentre: A Launchpad for Growth
As our first customer, SKC Studios found more than just office space – they found a supportive community and a launchpad for growth. Our state-of-the-art facilities and ecosystem of innovation partners have catalysed their expansion, product development, and client engagement. With our support, they have Studios has grown from a startup into a global player in AI, now employing 25 people and contributing to the local economy while expanding across the UK, Middle East, and Americas.
Leading the Way in AI Advocacy
SKC Studios’ leadership extends beyond technology. CEO Asa Burrows is a recognised advocate for ethical AI and AI literacy, committed to raising public awareness and guiding responsible adoption. His vision is reflected in projects like AI Alan Turing, developed in close collaboration with Turing’s family and the Archive Centre, King’s College at the University of Cambridge, to create a respectful and truthful conversational AI experience.
Looking Ahead
As SKC Studios continues to push boundaries in AI and avatar technology, the future is bright. Their vision is a world where digital personas are seamlessly woven into everyday life, serving as trusted sources of information, advice, and companionship across healthcare, education, retail, and beyond. With capabilities that support multiple languages and dialects, the platform continues to expand its inclusivity and global reach.
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