I am a CTO and highly experienced software contractor with expert technical knowledge in AI, generative AI, media and mobile apps. I've worked with many start-ups and multi-nationals, including Sky, leading the development of Watch Together, the flagship product of the Sky Live camera. Also, I have overseen the development of a number of generative AI products.
I have developed over 20 commercial mobile apps, with many charting apps including number 1 in the overall app store, featured apps in many countries and won numerous app awards. I worked as an iOS and Android development trainer for a number of years for the BBC, after which I continued to work as a software developer for BBC Future Media. While at the BBC I was the lead developer of the BBC Sport Android app, and also worked on iPlayer and iPlayer Radio.
Earlier in my career, I worked as a lecturer in Virtual Environments at Reading University before moving to Canon Research Europe to develop technologies in the areas of mobile devices, computer vision and mobile robotics. As a result of this work, I have a number of patents in the field of computer vision.
I offer flexible engagement models tailored to your specific goals and timelines.
For delivering a clearly defined piece of work with agreed outcomes, such as building an MVP, modernizing a legacy system, or implementing a new feature set. These are typically fixed-scope and time-boxed.
A flexible model for ongoing technical leadership and strategic input. This includes participation in key meetings, technical reviews, supplier interactions, and being available to your team as a trusted advisor on a regular basis.
For scenarios requiring dedicated time and focus, such as supporting intensive product development phases, managing technical hires, or embedding into your team full-time or part-time for a defined period (e.g., 2–3 months).
Rapidly delivering prototypes and minimum viable products (MVPs) for desktop applications, mobile apps, or websites. I specialise in turning initial concepts into functional, user-focused products to validate ideas efficiently and effectively.
Leveraging a PhD in multi-user virtual environments grounded in special relativity theory, I bring deep technical expertise to implement sophisticated and cutting-edge software features. I have been working with AI technologies since the 1990s, applying them across a variety of domains.
My experience spans computer vision, real-time video calling, 3D graphics, and both front-end and back-end data-heavy applications. I specialise in turning complex ideas into scalable, production-ready systems, bridging research-level innovation with practical software engineering. Implementing advanced features and functionalities, turning intricate concepts into functional, reliable software solutions.
I work closely with your team to define clear, measurable technical objectives that align with the grant's criteria. This involves outlining system architectures, detailing technology stacks, and specifying performance benchmarks. For instance, in STFC funding applications, it's crucial to demonstrate how your project leverages cutting-edge technologies to advance scientific research or industrial innovation.
A well-structured development roadmap is vital for illustrating the feasibility and planning of your project. I assist in creating timelines that map out key milestones, resource allocations, and risk mitigation strategies. This roadmap not only guides your project's progression but also provides funders with confidence in your project's execution plan.
Articulating the innovative elements of your project is essential. I help identify and emphasize aspects such as novel applications of technology, unique methodologies, or groundbreaking research components. For STFC and UKRI grants, showcasing how your project contributes to the UK's scientific and technological advancement is a significant advantage.
Transforming outdated systems into modern, reliable, and scalable solutions. I implement Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) pipelines, introduce agile development processes, and migrate legacy monolithic applications to modern serverless or microservices architectures. Additionally, I upgrade legacy codebases to leverage the latest technologies, incorporating comprehensive testing, linting, and modern development tooling to enhance maintainability and performance.
Precisely defining project requirements and designing robust, scalable architectures. I have experience architecting solutions across multiple cloud providers including Azure and AWS, selecting appropriate services to balance cost, performance, and maintainability. This includes leveraging containerization with Docker and Kubernetes, choosing suitable database technologies, and ensuring systems are designed with scale, security, and performance in mind. I also define efficient API strategies and design modern front-end architectures that align with your product and team needs.
Providing strategic guidance and ongoing technical mentorship, empowering your team to achieve optimal outcomes. I am available to discuss technical ideas, explore architectural decisions, and provide second opinions on design approaches.
I can participate in or lead technical meetings with internal teams and external suppliers, helping to bridge communication gaps, evaluate proposals, and ensure alignment with your business goals. Whether it's a brainstorming session or a deep-dive into technical requirements, I bring clarity, structure, and practical insight.
“Dr. Matthew Ryan is a leading expert in AI and mobile app development. His work with Sky Live and other projects showcases his ability to drive innovation in technology. Trusted by start-ups and multinationals, his expertise is unparalleled.”
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