SUCCESS: StretchSense chief executive Dr Ben O’Brien.
New Zealand entrepreneur Sam Lee has joined an internationally renowned business incubator in America to develop his revolutionary meMini wearable camera idea. The 31-year-old flew to San Francisco last month to enter Wearable World Labs, which is the world's first incubator for start-up businesses, focussing on the "internet of things" and wearable technology.
Lee beat off tough competition after wowing the organisation's tech chiefs with his invention, which captures moments we all wish we hadn't missed.
His meMini camera is worn on the body and constantly films life until something unexpectedly exciting happens, such as your baby's first word or steps.
TECH STARS: MeMini’s Sam Lee, right, with Wearable World Labs chief technology officer Kyle Ellicott.
When wearers of the camera press a button on the device, the previous minute of film is saved. The special moment is captured, rather than lost in the time it takes to fumble for the camera or smartphone.
Members of Wearable World Labs are given access to the latest technology, networks, mentorship and investment opportunities so they are better placed to launch their innovations to the mainstream market. Lee, who launched the meMini concept at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last year, is now temporarily based in California for the three-month programme.
"The incubator will open up so may new doors for the business as we are surrounded by some of the big thinkers in this sector," Lee said. "It's a collaborative space and I'll be working alongside 20 other start-ups from around the world. When we emerge on the other side, we will be a completely different company."
PORTABLE: The meMini camera records life.
He added: "The wearable technology world is about getting people connected to the internet more directly, so they can understand their environment and even themselves much better.
"We'll be able to use some amazing channels into markets, because being in the US means we have access to many more consumers. Major retail chains come to Wearable World Labs to see what's new and emerging in the wearables scene. We'll also be able to talk to potential investors who may want to buy into the future of the company."
Lee developed his camera by developing "Recall" technology with experts. Previously he had spent several years in the tourism industry. "I always loved technology and making my own videos, and realised one day that I should really be following that passion," he said
Kyle Ellicott, Wearable World Labs co-founder and chief technology officer, said: "I'm excited to have Sam and the meMini team as part of the growing Wearable World Labs family.
"As a company, their empathetic focus couldn't be more perfect for the industry, by giving people the ability to capture and re-live life's most precious moments without the constant worrying."
Since launching on crowdfunding website Kickstarter in January last year, meMini has been modified, but a final version is expected next month and it should be ready for the first round of manufacturing in April.
Lee said: "Following our successful Kickstarter campaign, we have significantly upgraded the camera's hardware. We have improved image quality and more efficient power consumption. Size and weight are critical with wearable technology and the improved electronics have allowed us to have a smaller battery with increased battery life.
"We have built a camera in 1.5 years - and doing something that no one else is doing, so there are challenges in that alone. But our ambition is driving us to create something pretty special."
- Sunday Star Times
