Roma Patel, co-founder of Makers of Imaginary Worlds attended the Create Growth Summit in London earlier this year with Create Growth N2 (CGN2), where she showcased a small prototype of an interactive stepping-stone installation. Conversations at the summit and follow-up CGN2 events introduced Roma to marketing and product design specialists, setting Makers of Imaginary Worlds on an exciting growth path.
Following months of collaboration and development, Makers of Imaginary Worlds has since secured £49,940 in funding through the DCMS Create Growth Programme Competition 4: Small Projects, supported by Innovate UK. This grant is enabling Roma and her team to transform their concept into RhythmWalk – a scalable, sustainable product designed for public spaces.
From iSTEP to RhythmWalk
Originally called iSTEP, the product has evolved into RhythmWalk, an interactive sound installation that turns movement into music. Using pressure-sensitive floor tiles made from recycled materials, RhythmWalk transforms everyday environments into playful, sensory spaces where footsteps trigger beautiful soundscapes.
“Our previous work was always one-off, bespoke products – we’d create installations, make them durable, and then move on to a new theme or project. This project is different because we’re learning how to make something repeatable,” Roma explains. “A product that can be manufactured and used in multiple venues. That meant exploring design for manufacture, which was new territory for us.”
How CGN2 made it possible
Roma credits CGN2’s immersive technology programme and the Virtual & Immersive Production (VIP) Studio sessions at Nottingham University for helping her business think bigger. These sessions also introduced Roma to Melody Crafters, expanding the creative possibilities for future installations by integrating their Soundstrokes technology.
“CGN2 gave us the opportunities and connections to think beyond bespoke installations, to keep our focus on sustainability and explore scalability. Through events we attended with CGN2 we met key collaborators and learned how to approach funding and investor conversations, which wasn’t in our world before.”
Roma was also invited to speak on a panel at the Innovate Local: East Midlands 2025 conference, to share insights on innovation in immersive experiences. Here, Roma connected with Hannah Dimec (Number34 Consultancy), now leading stakeholder research, and representatives from Nottingham Trent University, who introduced her to the Design Matter Group. These partnerships were crucial in shaping the DCMS funding application.
“The CGN2 Hot House sessions also connected us with other creatives and helped us understand pitch decks and business development.”
Building a Nottingham-based innovation network
The RhythmWalk project now involves five key collaborators, mostly based in Nottinghamshire:
- Hannah Dimec, Number34 Consultancy – market specialist.
- Dr. Matthew Little – electronics engineer.
- Dr. Adrian Hazzard, Mixed Reality Laboratory, University of Nottingham – immersive audio and user interaction.
- James Meadwell, Design Matter, Nottingham Trent University – senior research fellow and design consultant.
- Tristan Hessing, Future Makers – experts in recycled plastic fabrication.
In addition, Makers of Imaginary Worlds are working with Melody Crafters on a separate project – integrating Soundstrokes technology for The Garden Installation at The Beaney coming April 2026.
“It’s amazing to see how much talent and creativity is right here in Nottingham and the Midlands,” Roma says. “These collaborations are helping us create something truly innovative and sustainable.”
What’s next for RhythmWalk?
The five-month project runs until March 2026, with a prototype expected by January. Testing will begin locally in Nottinghamshire before scaling nationally.
“Our goal is to create a minimum viable product, test it in real-world spaces, and refine it based on feedback. RhythmWalk is designed to add beauty and playfulness to everyday environments – shopping centres, airports, waiting areas – places where people often experience stress or boredom.”
The team is also working on an exploitation plan to map growth over the next three years, including hire models, customisation options and sustainability features.
Why funding matters
Roma is clear about the impact of funding: “The grant gives us time to really understand this new stream for us – to invest in local people and businesses to help us build and test the idea. That kind of research and development is vital for very small businesses like ours.”
Get involved: share your thoughts
Makers of Imaginary Worlds are inviting venues, festivals and community spaces to help shape RhythmWalk. Take the short survey here.
Inspired by Roma’s journey?
CGN2 offers fully funded business support to help creative, digital, and immersive technology businesses in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire thrive. Find out more about local events and opportunities here.