Durham University spinout, InSync, is bringing cutting-edge behavioural science and AI to the challenge of understanding and improving workplace wellbeing.
Developed from research by Professor Richard Crisp, InSync offers organisations a faster, smarter way to understand how their people are feeling, helping leaders make better decisions that positively impact culture, performance and retention.
At the heart of the platform is the Organisational Health Metric, a research-backed index that works like a “health tracker” for workplace culture. Instead of relying on slow, retrospective staff surveys, InSync provides real-time sentiment insights. This allows managers to see what’s driving morale day by day and respond with targeted, evidence-based actions.
The platform is already being used across charity, education and health care sectors. Early results show strong potential to improve engagement and decision-making.
From academic insight to real-world impact
The idea for InSync emerged from Professor Crisp’s dual experience as a behavioural scientist and senior university leader. Having spent years navigating complex organisational environments, he has seen first-hand how difficult it can be to access useful data on employee sentiment.
InSync is the result: a platform that brings academic insight and leadership experience together to solve a real-world challenge.
“I wanted to build the tool I wish I’d had throughout my management career – something that gives leaders a clear, unbiased view of how their people are doing, and what they can do to help.”
Professor Richard Crisp, Cofounder of InSync
Northern Accelerator support played a pivotal supporting role
“You can’t build something like this in your spare time. Northern Accelerator gave me the space and momentum to make it happen.”
Professor Richard Crisp, Durham University and InSync
Northern Accelerator supported InSync from research concept to commercial spinout by helping Richard step away from academic duties to focus fully on building InSync. The support enabled the team to build a working prototype, secure beta testers and prepare the business for investment. This included Executives into Business funding that allowed for the recruitment of a CEO who helped shape the business strategy.
InSync is a great example of how Northern Accelerator helps turn university innovation into solutions with real societal impact.
