Technological Innovation in Health Tech, Robotics and Smart Sensors Take Stage at HAX’s Accelerator Demo Days
15 hardware startups culminated an intensive 111-day accelerator program by revealing their products at HAX’s sixth annual Demo Day (formerly known as HAXLR8R). Each company spent three months in Shenzhen, China, the components and electronic supply chain capital of the world, where they focused on creating a production-ready prototype and tuning their business models. Through HAX, the startups had access to seed funding, office space with a modern equipped workshop, and also more than 50 experienced mentors and experts in design, manufacturing and logistics. To learn more about the 15 new hardware startups from HAX’s sixth class, and to watch the recorded presentations from Demo Day visit.
“In today’s ultra-competitive hardware ecosystem, companies have little room for error and need significant support to successfully bring a product to market,” said Cyril Ebersweiler, founder of HAX and venture partner at SOSventures. “This group of 15 dedicated startups banded together to collaboratively scale ideas into working prototypes and create innovative advancements in robotics, health tech and connected products. We’re extremely proud of each of their successes and feel confident that they are well positioned bring their products to market.”
In three years, HAX has accelerated 65 hardware startups. The sixth class includes:
- Arduboy– A game system on a credit card
Arduboy is a credit card size portable gaming platform for 8-bit game lovers and developers. Arduboy allows users to create and install their own games or play classics such as Tetris, Flappy Ball, Space Rocks, Snake and Hangman.
- Aria– Gesture recognition for smartwatches
Aria is a new gesture-based controller embedded into a watchband that revolutionizes the way people interact with technology. It can recognize up to 20 different finger gestures and connects to other devices via Bluetooth.
- AquaTrek– A robot to keep aquariums smart, connected and clean
Moai’s Aquatrek is a miniature robot equipped with a camera that can monitor biological activity in an aquarium. This aquatic robot helps keep fishes and plants healthy while also allowing users to take and share underwater photos with friends.
Bartesian– A personal bartender
Like a Keurig machine for cocktails, Bartesian uses single-serve capsules made with premium alcoholic ingredients to prepare cocktails at the press of a button. Bartesian makes it easy for anyone to enjoy an on-demand authentic cocktail experience.
- BBB– Mobile medical-grade blood testing
BBB is building an Android-based mobile blood-testing device that requires only a drop of blood to diagnose all conditions and then provide users with actionable healthcare information.
- Electroloom– Creating garments at the touch of a button
Electroloom is building the future of fabrics with a process called ‘electrospinning,’ which guides fine fibers of materials, from polyester to silk, into a pre-designed 3D model using high voltage electric fields. Electrospinning results in a finished garment that is created and printed entirely from a digital file that can be easily shared or modified.
FeetMe– The world’s smartest insoles for health and performance
FeetMe provides insoles that map foot pressure in real time with high resolution. Initially designed for diabetic patients to avoid ulcers that can lead to amputations, FeetMe is also useful for runners looking for detailed information about their running to avoid injuries and improve performance. FeetMe allows users to connect the smart soles via Bluetooth to any smartphone or smartwatch for real-time analytics on dynamics and movements.
- Flair– Smart vents for optimal climate and thermal comfort
Flair makes heating and cooling systems intuitive by introducing smart vents and remote sensors/controllers, allowing granular control of temperature of homes. Flair allows users to control rooms individually and can substantially reduce home energy consumption.
- Kokoon– World’s first smart headphones for sleep
Kokoon is a set of headphones designed to help users relax and go to more sleep easily. With a unique combination of patented comfort technology, a partnership with high-end audio specialists, brainwave sensors and optimized audio, Kokoon aims to be the ideal set of headphones for relaxation and sleep.
- Lir Scientific– The bladder sensor that solves urinary incontinence
Lir’s mission is to make adult diapers a thing of the past, with the world’s first non-invasive bladder sensor to prevent incontinence from affecting people’s lives. Lir’s product Brightly is designed to be worn around the waist and monitor bladder fullness. When a user’s bladder is nearing capacity, Brightly sends alerts directly to a paired smart device.
Miramix– A platform for customized mixes
Miramix is a maker’s platform for common everyday blends. The platform is designed for experts in supplements and cosmetics to make custom mixes for individuals, based on their needs. The company seeks to connect health experts with consumers and allow them to use its turnkey production equipment to make orders to the user’s specifications.
- Motion Metrics– A professional ski instructor in your boots
Tested by professional skiers to improve performance, Carve is a cutting edge tracking device for skiers. Carve by Motion Metrics provides hyper-accurate tracking analysis for ski instructors and skiers alike, adding valuable performance analytics to every run.
- Ourobotics– 3D printer for living organisms
Using a high-precision desktop bio-printer for medical applications, Ourobotics provides Ouro, a one-stop modular tool for researchers in biotech labs who need accurate and reliable scaffolding printed in liquid. Ouro can be used for a variety of applications, including tissue growth in reconstructive surgery or to tremendously accelerate medical research.
- PicBuy– The world’s first smart showroom for retail
PicBuy is a connected selfie mirror installed at retail locations, which allows shoppers to keep track of the clothes they try on in stores, share them on social networks for feedback and eventually purchase online at a later date.
Preemadonna– Inventors of the Nailbot
Preemadonna has created a family of automated devices that decorate nails with unique art and polish. The Nailbot empowers girls and women to creatively and conveniently express themselves anytime and anywhere.
Arduboy, Kokoon and Electroloom are currently live on Kickstarter.
Founded in 2011 and with offices in Shenzhen, China and San Francisco, HAX has taken 65 companies to market, trailblazing the “hardware renaissance.” HAX is currently taking applications until May 23, 2015 for its seventh class.
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