An Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) project to develop personalised, real-time audio calibration software has been backed by a Scottish Government funding programme.

Developed by Dr Iain McGregor and Dr Balandino Di Donato, Heliaural has been awarded funding by the Scottish Government’s inaugural Proof of Concept Fund, which supports early-stage university innovations with strong commercial and social potential.

From an initial 89 applicants, 18 projects from 10 universities have been awarded a combined total of nearly £3m for 2025-26.

Heliaural is designed for people with hearing loss and those working in sound-critical environments, using the bespoke software to play adapted audio through headphones.

Unlike conventional hearing support technologies that rely on special equipment or clinical support, Heliaural fine-tunes sound to an individual’s hearing profile across devices and contexts, giving users independent control over clarity and comfort.

The funding of nearly £125,000 will allow the project team to explore the possibility of commercialising their work.

Heliaural builds on ENU’s expertise in sound design and assistive technology, including the pioneering Cog-Mhear hearing aid project, and research into the impact of hearing intervention.

Dr Iain McGregor Associate Professor at ENU’s School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment, said:

“Heliaural is about independence and everyday listening, helping people adjust the sound around them without the need for additional devices or clinical appointments.

“It recognises the messiness of real-world listening and the importance of being effective outside the consultation room.

“This funding will allow us to advance the prototype mobile tool, validating its usability and performance outside the laboratory, and preparing it for wider deployment.”

Fiona Mason, Head of Business Engagement and IP Commercialisation, said:

“We’re thrilled and so proud that our pioneering research has been recognised by the Scottish Government’s flagship Proof of Concept programme.

“This award will accelerate the next stage of Heliaural – an innovation with the potential to transform lives across Scotland and beyond.

“It’s a fantastic endorsement of our team’s creativity, determination and the vision of Dr Iain McGregor in driving world-changing ideas forward.”