A Tameside entrepreneur who was performing on some of the world’s biggest stages just a year ago is now developing pioneering artificial intelligence technology that could transform the future of music.
Ben Etches, founder of Tameside-based startup Sineco, is creating a platform that generates adaptive audio in real time using biometric data such as heart rate, movement and activity levels, allowing music to respond dynamically to each listener.
The innovative technology aims to create a more personalised listening experience, with potential applications in fitness, wellbeing, recovery and performance.
Just 12 months ago, Ben was touring internationally and performing at Glastonbury Festival. Today, he is leading the development of a technology business with ambitions to reach tens of thousands of users worldwide.
“A year ago, I was playing Glastonbury and touring with my best mates. Today, I’m building a startup,” he said.
“I saw the chance to create something completely new: music that responds to you in real time.”
From its base in Tameside, Sineco is combining creative expertise with cutting-edge AI development to build a platform capable of integrating with wearable technology.
The system analyses biometric information and adapts audio in response to the listener’s physical and mental state, creating music that evolves alongside the user.
Drawing on his background as a musician, songwriter and producer, Ben believes the technology can unlock new ways for people to use music to improve focus, enhance training, support recovery and promote relaxation.
Sineco’s journey began with the development of an early prototype, supported by the University of Manchester.
Since then, the business has focused on building a scalable platform, including AI models capable of processing biometric data in real time and the infrastructure needed to support app integration and future growth.
The company has secured £40,000 in innovation funding across two phases of development, helping it progress from an initial concept to a more advanced platform ready for testing and further commercial development.
The funding has also enabled the business to begin exploring pilot projects and engaging with potential investors.
Looking ahead, Sineco is targeting 50,000 users by 2027 and plans to create eight new jobs as the company expands its technical and commercial operations.
While the business remains firmly rooted in Tameside, its ambitions are global. The company sees opportunities to integrate its technology into international platforms and wearable devices, bringing locally developed innovation to users around the world.
“We want to build something that sits at the centre of how people experience music in the future,” Ben said.
“When it responds to your body, music becomes more powerful and more personal.”
Yvonne Grady, Director of Innovation and Digitisation at GM Business Growth Hub, praised the business as an example of the innovation emerging from Greater Manchester.
“Sineco highlights the strength of innovation emerging from places like Tameside, where creative ideas are being turned into commercially viable products,” she said.
“By supporting businesses at key stages of development, we’re helping founders like Ben translate their vision into scalable opportunities that can compete on a global stage.”