TapSOS
TapSOS founder and CEO, Becca Hume says:
"The solution is basically intended for use by anyone who isn't able to ring the emergency services. That could be because the person is Deaf or hard of hearing, or someone is in a difficult situation where they don't feel that it is safe to speak."
The journey begins
The idea for TapSOS arose after Hume worked with a deaf colleague during one of her first jobs, something which led her to study sign language.
The app's journey began during Hume's time at the University of Ulster, where she raised £20k through applications and pitches. From there, Hume has gone from strength to strength and during July 2014, TapSOS registered as a company and tested their first prototype.
Getting involved with British APCO
The app came to the attention of British APCO at the 2015 Autumn Event in Newcastle, which Hume had attended on the advice of Dave Sharp (former CTO at, Realrider). Following this, TapSOS were assessed by our app accreditation panel and were given the go-ahead. This developed into a relationship with Devon and Cornwall Police to ensure all operational needs are met, and that all alerts from TapSOS are treated in the same manner as any 999 call.
Moving Ahead
After gaining full app accreditation for TapSOS becoming the only Government approved non-verbal alert platform into all four Emergency Services, the team continued engaging with various stakeholders including multiple Government departments.
The company restructured and became Inclutech (Inclusive Technologies), allowing TapSOS to be a stand-alone product in a new portfolio of work.
TapSOS was awarded the International Critical Communications Innovation Award - Madrid, November 2021 and the Security & Policing Innovation Award in Farnborough by the Home Secretary during March 2022.
After COVID-19 and the shocking effects of pandemic and lockdown’s, it became all too apparent of the need for greater levels of access for those who cannot or choose to not use their voice in dangerous situations.
The Inclutech team have been involved with BAPCO’s 2019 and 2023 Next Generation 999 White Paper Events in London and fully believe of the increasing need for multiple methods to allow citizens greater confidence in connecting to Emergency Services and highly efficient and accurate data for Emergency Responders during times of crisis.
"We believe that we can transform the emergency services here in the UK with the potential to take this scalable product into Europe and further."
Connect with TapSOS:
Web: www.tapsos.com
Email: info@tapsos.com
Twitter: @Tap_SOS
Instagram: @Tap_SOS
Facebook: @TapSOS
Youtube Channel