An Edinburgh University graduate has been shortlisted for Shell LiveWIRE's Grand Ideas award for her business Interface3. Kate Ho, aged 28, impressed the judges with her idea to create engaging customer facing software for the retail finance sector using the latest multitouch technologies.

Ho started her business after submitting her PhD in Computer Science at Edinburgh University four months ago. She explains, "Interface3 uses the expertise I gained over my studies over the past years. I saw a perfect opportunity to develop software for multitouch interfaces especially with the up-coming release of the iPad and Windows 7 tablets."

This cutting-edge technology enables users to replace the traditional keyboard and mouse by directly touching the computer screen with both their hands. Ho is applying her expertise to developing software specifically for Financial Advisors to easily explain complex investment products to their clients.

She added "Being shortlisted means so much since we're such a young company and fingers crossed that it's good news when the winners are announced"

Ho?s idea, submitted through Shell LiveWIRE's website, was shortlisted by a panel of judges in the Shell LiveWIRE Grand Ideas Award which brings £1,000 funding.

The Shell LiveWIRE Grand Idea awards are designed to give aspiring young entrepreneurs a no-strings-attached financial boost of £1,000 to help them get their business ideas off the ground. The awards are held monthly and entrepreneurs from all over the UK can submit their entries through the LiveWIRE website.

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For further information, please contact Kate Ho, Interface3, 07877 112