Award nod for future leader is the Smart choice

A former Paisley University of the West of Scotland (UWS) student has been named as a finalist in a prestigious award.

- TAYLOR MURRAY

Ray Holder - a former knowledge transfer partnerships (KTP) associate on UWS's project with cultural technology platform Smartify - is shortlisted in the future leader award category.

He led an ambitious project to embed high performance computing, extended reality, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity capabilities into Smartify's platform.

This helped the company enhance digital access to arts and culture and position itself for further growth in the cultural tourism sector.

Ray's innovative work has included bringing to life never-before-seen photographs from Tower Bridge's opening 130 years ago - an interactive model for visitors to the Cutty Sark, helping them explore parts of the ship while it was closed for refurbishment - and a 3D model viewer that allows people to interact with sculptures and objects without the need for specialist hardware or extra apps.