Bionics-meets-prosthetics, a music platform for ‘curators and tastemakers’ and the smartest bench you’ll ever sit on... and those are just three of the plethora of tech-for-good ventures I’m fortunate to discover each week (sometimes each day).
Technology is no longer a preserve of those in need of a status symbol or sexy piece of kit. Mainstream interest in digital advances is finally transitioning from what I call “wow-factor tech,” to meaningful inventions with sustainable, real-world impact.
Some of the most inspiring trailblazers I come across (and eventually champion in my writing and videos) are developing ground-breaking products and services that meet a specific and very intrinsic need. It’s both humbling and awe-inspiring in equal measure.
The businesses below and their millennial founders are one part eclectic, one part deeply practical – a happy fusion of creative genius and realistic application. Crucially, they demonstrate the ability of digital and technology to transform our day-to-day lives - not just for the better, but for the long-term. And this isn’t solely at individual level - often the reach extends to our communities, our cities and our nations.
The USB connector for amputees
Here’s a truly humbling fact - there are 10 million amputees in the world today. On the journey to making their lives easier and, ultimately, reduce their everyday discomfort is Oliver Armitage and his team at Cambridge Bio-Augmentation Systems (CBAS).
CBAS has introduced the wonders of future tech to the area of disability with some very promising early results. Their invention is a permanently integrated smart device or “USB connector” that provides the interface between an amputated limb and a prosthesis - all achieved through bionics and advanced bioengineering.
Whilst the realities of this technology may still be some way off, CBAS’ work is a game-changer for those in need. One to watch and certainly to support.
Creating a new breed of music makers
When it comes to shaking up entertainment, technology is no newcomer. And the music business might not at first sight seem to have a ‘social good’ value. But anyone who has tried relentlessly to break into the industry knows that it notoriously favours those with a bulging contacts book
DJ and former club promoter, Nikhil Shah, wanted to create a platform that would democratise the music scene, opening up this world to anyone with sheer talent and breaking down barriers of entry. Thus emerged Mixcloud.
The service gives undiscovered music ‘curators’ a platform to share and showcase their work, and music fans a radio channel that can be curated to their personal tastes.
The aspiration articulated by Nikhil is to create the “best radio listening experience on the web”. Quite an ambition, but one he believes is achievable by meeting the needs of undiscovered DJs and avid music lovers alike.
Whilst its current market is undeniably skewed by millennials, they believe their portfolio will (and should) appeal to any listener. Tune in, or lose out
Just how smart could a bench get?
Technology is at its best when it benefits the masses at community level. Smart city startup Strawberry Energy is doing just that by harnessing the incredible power of the internet of things (IoT) with their Strawberry Bench. The solar-powered piece of furniture will track local air pollution, allow you to charge your device (wirelessly too), connect to Wi-Fi and offer a ‘safety’ button that dials emergency services should you find yourself in trouble. It’s also sleek and aesthetically pleasing to boot.
I interviewed their co-founder Milos Milisavljevic, who emphatically conveyed that they want to offer the bench to local councils, community groups and businesses, aimed at making our local spaces cleaner, smarter and safer.
Now all we need is some sunshine!
In March this year, Telefónica will publish the most comprehensive global index on digital life ever developed. It aims to model and measure key aspects of digital life in 34 countries to generate insights about everyday life in the digital world. One of these key aspects looks at how digitisation drives entrepreneurship and, subsequently, economic growth.
Which one of these three trailblazers do you most admire and why? Share your thoughts with us on Twitter by using the hashtag #MyDigitalLife.
Shivvy Jervis is producer of The Trailblazers and Digital Futures – follow her on Twitter @shivvyjervis
