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Aberdeen Software Factory (ASF) helps start-ups, small businesses and academic research projects turn ideas into working software.
The Aberdeen Software Factory is a student-run software house started in 2009 so that students can gain experience working on larger software projects.
Our undergraduate, MSc and PhD student developers work with you to design, build and improve software under the supervision of an academic with relevant expertise in your project topic. This brings together practical software development, fresh student talent, and academic expertise of researchers who are at the forefront of current discoveries and innovations.
Interested in becoming a client?
Hear from our members
The group is open to undergraduate, postgraduate taught or PhD students to join.
In this video, hear from some of the student members, staff and clients on what Aberdeen Software Factory is like and whether it's the right opportunity for you.
For businesses, this provides an opportunity to develop software with the support and reputation of the University of Aberdeen and opens doors to new funding opportunities such as those from Interface.
For academics, the Software Factory provides a route to build the software tools needed to support research impact and impact case studies.
Student developers benefit from two types of experience. First, they gain the experience of working in a development house prior to graduation, working on both greenfield sites, as well as helping to continue the development of ongoing projects. Second, they can also look at the factory from the business side of projects and think about what they need to do when setting up their own software house as entrepreneurs.
How it works
The process starts with an initial meeting with the ASF Lead, Dr Milan Markovic, to understand your needs and discuss how the project could work and how it will be funded. There are several options:
- Academic projects: external funding from a research funder (e.g., UKRI) or internal pump-priming funding.
- Start-ups and SMEs: external funding (e.g., Standard Innovation Voucher) or direct payment for the development work.
The funding route determines the size and duration of the development team. For example, a Standard Innovation Voucher provides for two students working one day per week for approximately 14 weeks, under academic supervision.
What our clients come to us for
Our academic clients most often come to us to develop standard web applications and digital tools that support their research. Start-ups, on the other hand, often approach us to access the academic expertise in AI and related technologies available within the University.
Once the approach and funding are agreed, we scope the project and put the development team in place.
Examples of industry work
Previous projects portfolio
Testimonials
- Prof Alexandros Zangelidis, Business School
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Working with Milan and the Aberdeen Software Factory team on the development of the Workplace Thyroid Toolkit was an extremely positive experience. The project ran very smoothly, with regular updates throughout, and the team was patient and responsive to our requests. They also brought valuable technical expertise to the project, proposing innovative solutions and suggesting ways to enhance the toolkit’s functionality beyond our initial ideas. We were very satisfied with the final product and with the professionalism and commitment of the whole team.”
Prof Alexandros Zangelidis, Business School, University of Aberdeen
- Dr David McLernon, Institute of Applied Health Sciences
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In 2016 we launched the first version of our OPIS calculator which provides couples with their personalised chance of having a baby following IVF treatment. While it was well used it was not designed with input from patients. The computing science students in the ASF took extensive user feedback from a survey and think-aloud sessions to completely re-engineer the original OPIS calculator. The new version is much more user friendly in terms of functionality, navigation and how it presents results. I would not hesitate in employing the ASF again in future projects.”
Dr David McLernon, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen
- Alexander Paris, CEO, UniCred
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We worked really well with ASF and what they've done is they've allowed us to take our organizational goals from concepts theories to now being able to give an MVP to a potential partner, you know, get sponsors through this, get more money in through the door just because we have a real tangible product.”
Alexander Paris, CEO, UniCred
- Christelle Kerbaul, CEO and Co-Founder, PalindromeX
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Working with the Aberdeen Software Factory has been an outstanding experience for PalindromeX. Through the support of a UKRI Innovation Voucher, we partnered with their talented student development team to build a proof of concept that successfully led to the minimum viable product (MVP) for our AI-optimised project management application.
What sets the Factory apart is how business-minded they are, enabling the quick deployment of leading-edge academic research directly into an industrial application. The partnership was incredibly fruitful; the close collaboration allowed us to leverage fresh technical talent while providing the students with vital, real-world development experience. It was a true win-win for both parties, and we highly recommend the Aberdeen Software Factory to any organisation looking to turn innovative ideas into commercial software.”
Christelle Kerbaul, CEO & Co-Founder, PalindromeX