Atomedge
- Open roles
- 0
- Founded
- 2011
- Employees
- 1-10
- Offices
- 1
About Atomedge
Atomedge is a biomedical visualization and animation studio based in Cape Town, South Africa. Established in 2011, it develops medically accurate digital human anatomy for education, clinical training, scientific research and visual storytelling. Its work connects anatomical reference material with the production requirements of animation, interactive applications and physical prototyping.
The studio combines anatomical modeling, sculpting, texturing and rigging with specimen scanning and reconstruction from medical imaging. Its approach emphasizes scientifically grounded source material and ethically obtained anatomical data. A long-standing collaboration with the University of Cape Town supports the development of digital representations informed by physical specimens and clinical expertise.
Digital anatomy for multiple applications
The studio’s commercial offering centers on licensable anatomical assets, alongside custom modeling and scientific visualization. Its human anatomy content covers interconnected body systems, allowing customers to work with structures relevant to their particular teaching, research or production needs. Rigged musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and visceral anatomy supports applications that require more than static illustrations.
Atomedge also prepares assets for interactive medical simulations and AR, VR and XR experiences, including workflows involving Unity and Unreal Engine. Other applications include biomechanical analysis, medical device prototyping and anatomical models prepared for resin or filament 3D printing. These uses bring the same underlying anatomical content into different technical environments and presentation formats.
Visualization and custom production
Beyond its asset library, Atomedge offers custom anatomical content, specimen scanning and processing, medical animation and visual effects for documentary, broadcast and film production. Its services address both explanatory imagery and content intended for interactive exploration.
The studio serves academic medical institutions, healthcare and surgical simulation organizations, pharmaceutical and biotechnology businesses, software developers, scientific publishers and forensic practitioners. Its work reflects a specialized production model in which anatomical research and digital art inform one another, with assets developed for reuse across educational, scientific and commercial settings.
More about Atomedge
Leadership and expertise
- Guy van der Walt is the founder, owner and CEO. His background includes graphic design, 3D art and broadcast animation.
- Jemma Purdon is Lead 3D Artist. Anatomical experts and advisors include Dr. Steven Randall, who holds a PhD in Neuroscience, and Claire Lewis, who holds an MSc Med in Forensic Science and is a Teaching Fellow at Trinity College Dublin.
Research and production methods
- The UCT collaboration began in 2011 under Dr. Charles Slater, who retired in 2020. Artists attended cadaver dissections and performed high-resolution specimen surface scanning.
- In 2015, UCT's Human Research Ethics Committee approved the “Development of a 3-Dimensional Anatomical Database for High Resolution Imaging” project under HREC REF: 595/2015, enabling integration of anonymized clinical MRI and CT data with specimen scans.
- The Tommy asset suite contains over 5,378 distinct polygonal structures, with 99% quad topology, spanning skeletal, muscular, neurovascular, respiratory, alimentary and lymphatic systems.
Recognition
- In November 2024, Atomedge was the South African country winner of the Xero Beautiful Business Fund's “Trailblazing with Technology” category.
- In May 2026, Atomedge received the €7,500 Trickstar Business Award for Best Innovative and Groundbreaking Business Model at the 33rd Internationales Trickfilm-Festival Stuttgart. The jury recognized its business model connecting cinematic VFX, games, medical research and academic instruction.
Notable credits
4 creditsOffices
Where Atomedge is based
- Hoi P'loy Building, 48 Hopkins Street, Salt River, Cape Town, 7925, Western Cape, South AfricaCape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Cape Town office
HeadquartersThe company's sole direct operating headquarters and production studio.
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