Technology Levels the Playing Field

Brian Turyabagye from Uganda has designed a biomedical smart jacket which identifies pneumonia’s symptoms – temperature, breathing rate and sound of the lungs – diagnosing pneumonia at a rate three to four times faster than a doctor. The jacket is named ‘Mamaope’or ‘Mother’s Hope – in reference to the 27,000 children who die of pneumonia in Uganda every year.

Documented tech innovations like this one are becoming more and more frequent, regardless of the financial challenges, available resources or social and political climates globally. It is the beginning sign that technology levels the playing field when it comes to an idea, invention or an entrepreneur’s passion of concept to product.

Most people have by now realized how prevalent technology is being routinely used by people throughout the world. From a young age, girls and boys are not only excited and enthusiastic about the benefits that technology brings, but have become innovators and inventors themselves. Right here in Houston a few years ago I was among a group of judges who were amazed at the ideas and inventions that 2nd and 3rd graders had creatively and methodically drawn up and presented. The value of technology cannot be denied, as it opens up opportunities and unleashes potential in people who may not otherwise be able to access it.

I believe that launching new innovations and being successful is very possible, wherever you are and with whatever you have. In my early 20’s, I developed a small software program that solved a $300K-$400K per year problem for a national business chain. For me it was relatively simple to develop based on what was accessible to me, and for them it was a fix that was well worth it.

Here are a few ideals that I try to remember:

• Know their pain: Every community, town or country has needs specific to them. Study carefully what need is the most pressing and how your idea or invention would address the right pain points. It can be simple or complicated but if it is a big enough pain point, there will be a market. As mentioned, from personal experience even large business’ have areas of need and areas of pain that are unique and at times crippling to them. Know what they are!
• Develop together: Diversity in developing the best technology is indispensable. From children to adults, different races, ages and genders working together can greatly increase the effectiveness of any Tech idea. Most of our best resources are nearby – search for them!
• Start Now: Many great ideas remain in our minds, in a file cabinet, a garage or in a box inside the closet somewhere. I always mention to my clients, the time to start is always now! Just find the right guidance and team to begin

Headway Idea Labs understands the challenges entrepreneurs, engineers and innovators face when it comes to taking your concept and transforming it into a disruptive product where its value clearly resonates with your customer. We provide our proprietary 5 Step Process in the development of Tech Startups or the re-launching of any company regardless of the age of the business.

For more information visit www.headwayidealabs.com or email Wesley at [email protected]