ZX Spectrum, online tutoring, and hybrid air vehicles; Crowdfunding now

Every week, Maddyness brings you MaddyCrowd revealing our selection of projects available on crowdfunding platforms. Here's this week's selection.

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ZX Spectrum Next, the perfect computer for programmers

The ZX Spectrum Next is the computer Sinclair would perhaps have made if given the chance at the time. Designed by Rick Dickinson and Phil Candy, the objective behind the Next was to deliver a computer which could run up to twice as fast as the original Spectrum models, to increase its memory to 512KB RAM, and to introduce new video modes which would give the ZX Spectrum Next palette and graphics capabilities worthy of its ambition and push into the future of the platform.

The Spectrum Next provides unique experiences ranging from cool games, apps and Internet connectivity, including its own Teletext portal and multiplayer support. It’s also an ideal tool for learning programming by booting straight into NextBasic, opening a door for newcomers to learn more about the inner workings of computers using a simple and powerful programming language: one can literally start coding a new game in minutes by just browsing the Next’s manual.

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SOPHIA, a disruptive edtech app

Founded by an Independent school Head Teacher in 2018, SOPHIA has reimagined tutoring by bringing on-demand, flexible working to the £6B UK tuition industry. Run by a team of educational leaders with decades of experience in the industry, SOPHIA promotes confidence and convenience without compromising on safety or quality of education.

The edtech startup aims to provide a more accessible, convenient, safe and efficient way of supporting education for parents, tutors and students. The team have curated three educational programmes: online tuition sessions, a virtual school and SophiaX – a wide variety of extra-curricular courses. Sessions can be booked via the app and are delivered online, at home or anywhere the client finds convenient.

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Hybrid Air Vehicles leading the future of clean aviation

Born in 2007 in Bedford, Hybrid Air Vehicles has created Airlander, the world’s first hybrid aircraft, redefining the future of zero-carbon aviation. By 2025, the company expects Airlander to be flying with up to 90% fewer emissions than any other aircraft. Hybrid Air Vehicles is strongly encouraging customers to consider new approaches to solving some of today’s toughest challenges in aerospace.

At the moment, Hybrid Air Vehicles is crowdfunding to underpin its operations and contract discussions during COVID-19 recovery. In the last decade, the company has spent £116M developing Airlander and is now production-ready with a clear path to certification.

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