A hospitality tech firm launched by a Newcastle University graduate has expanded into new headquarters in the city.
Spark, which specialises in robots used in restaurants and hotels, as well as digital sales and reservation-making systems, has taken up space within The Catalyst building on the Newcastle Helix site. The firm has introduced 15 service robots including the BellaBot - a cat-like robot seen in restaurants such as YO! Sushi - and the ButlerBot - which was introduced to Maldron Hotel Newcastle last year.
The business was founded by Eric Guo and started out with a cloud-based software platform combining electronic point of sale (EPoS) systems with customer relationship management, stock control and reservation management solutions for the leisure and hospitality sector. It diversified in 2021, amid the pandemic, offering the robots to combat labour shortages and improve efficiency.
Read more: Robotics pioneer Wootzano to swap County Durham for Tyneside in new HQ move
Read more: Northumberland space start-up to be acquired by Californian defence company ExoAnalytic Solutions
Spark has been part of the National Innovation Centre for Ageing's Internet of Caring Things programme which aims to help North of Tyne area businesses create products and services that address ageing. The Catalyst is home to the Centre and the National Innovation Centre for Data.
Somin Tong, head of marketing at Spark, said: "The Catalyst is such a unique and innovative building. We came to the centre for a meeting last year and the space has a welcoming atmosphere, and we love the community aspect of the work that takes place between the national innovation centres and new and established businesses.
"From our integrated platform for smart hospitality to our smart robots, we aim to provide solutions for a range of venues, including care homes, so staff have more time to spend with the people they’re caring for. We’re not looking to replace human jobs, but rather support the care, hospitality and leisure industries, helping improve efficiencies and enable staff to be more proactive."
Dr Jennine Jonczyk, internet of caring things programme lead at National Innovation Centre for Ageing, said: “It’s so fantastic having Spark with us in The Catalyst. It’s really useful for the programme to see how people interact with the bots and the conversations are giving us daily inspiration for new ideas with robotics and Spark.”
Amelia Findlay, centre manager at The Catalyst, said: “We’re thrilled to have Spark headquartered here in The Catalyst alongside a roster of industry-defining businesses driving innovation in data and healthy ageing. We have seen first-hand how impressive their robots are and we’re looking forward to seeing the team continue to develop innovative solutions that positively impact businesses nationwide."
John Seager, Newcastle Helix estates director, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Spark to Newcastle Helix. It’s great to see them join some of the most innovative science and tech organisations creating solutions to society’s most pressing challenges, right here at the heart of Newcastle."
