The Tech Glow Up - Fabulous conversations with innovative minds.

Special Mini-Series From HLTH 2024
The healthcare industry accounts for nearly one third of the USA's GDP and yet all Americans can agree that the system is ripe for innovation, heck even just plain 'improvements' would be great.

So, I took Awesome Future to HLTH 2024, one of the largest yearly gatherings for healthcare technology professionals and innovators. As part of the Like A Girl Media podcast network we recorded these four interviews on the show floor, direct from Media Central, to dive into the state of innovation in health IT and startups.

We'll share two episodes starting Thursday, December 19th and two more starting on the 26th. If you enjoy these episodes, could you share them with a friend?

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Dr. Allen Gee is a neurologist, neuroscientist, and innovator who leads the Wyoming Health Innovation Living Lab (WHIL).

Key Takeaways:

• WHIL focuses on vetting and operationalizing healthcare technologies, particularly in neural health.
• Dr. Gee aims to address the devastating impacts of cognitive decline through early detection and intervention.
• The lab uses innovative technologies to assess mobility, cognition, speech, and vision to predict health trajectories.
• Dr. Gee emphasizes the importance of personalized, precision neural health to improve overall wellbeing.
• WHIL is helping to develop and clinically test tools that identify cognitive decline early and empower individuals to manage their health.

Dr. Gee's work at WHIL involves partnering with companies to test and implement healthcare technologies. He focuses on neural health, aiming to enhance cognition and mobility to help people live independently longer.

The lab uses cutting-edge technologies to assess various aspects of health, including speech analytics and vision system digitization.Dr. Gee emphasizes the concept of "neurohealth," which encompasses the entire nervous system and its interaction with the world.

He advocates for a holistic approach to health, focusing on sleep, nutrition, movement, and mindfulness. His goal is to use technology and data to provide personalized insights and interventions that can improve overall health outcomes.

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About Allen GeeMD, PhD, FAAN  
Dr Gee is a board-certified neurologist and founder of Frontier NeuroHealth, a private neurology practice with clinics throughout Wyoming.  

Dr. Gee also holds a PhD in Psychoneuroimmunology, the study of how your immune system and your central nervous system interact. 

With a passion for using technology to improve patients’ lives, Dr. Gee designed WHILL to be an innovation ecosystem that is clinically-integrated and equipped to support the needs of technology companies that are developing, expanding, or launching disruptive healthcare solutions.  

Dr. Gee is also founder of Optimal NeuroHealth which provides personalized precision neurohealth plans, traditionally not covered by health insurance, to clients seeking to optimize their neurohealth based on their unique omics and life circumstances.

A "glow up" signifies a positive transformation, reflecting the journey of becoming a better, more successful version of oneself.

At The Tech Glow Up, we humanize the startup and innovation landscape by focusing on the essential aspects of the entrepreneurial journey. Groundbreaking ideas are often ahead of their time, making resilience and perseverance vital for founders and product leaders.

In our podcast, we engage with innovators to discuss their transformative ideas, the challenges they face, and how they create value for future success. 

If you're a founder or product leader seeking your own glow up, or a seasoned entrepreneur with stories to share, we invite you to join our guest list via this link.

Special Mini-Series From HLTH 2024
The healthcare industry accounts for nearly one third of the USA's GDP and yet all Americans can agree that the system is ripe for innovation, heck even just plain 'improvements' would be great.

So, I took Awesome Future to HLTH 2024, one of the largest yearly gatherings for healthcare technology professionals and innovators. As part of the Like A Girl Media podcast network we recorded these four interviews on the show floor, direct from Media Central, to dive into the state of innovation in health IT and startups. 

We'll share two episodes starting Thursday, December 19th and two more starting on the 26th. If you enjoy these episodes, could you share them with a friend?

____
 
Liz Jensen, PhD, MSN, RN-BC, Clinical Director at Direct Supply Innovation and Technology Center, shares insights on The Glow Up podcast about innovating in long-term care. From connecting nurses with tech developers to advocating for policy changes, Jensen is reshaping the future of aging care.Key insights include:

• The critical need for innovation in long-term care due to demographic shifts
• The power of nurse-led initiatives like the Spark Collective in driving meaningful innovation
• The importance of preserving choice and independence for older adults

Jensen's work offers valuable lessons on addressing the challenges of an aging population through technology and policy advocacy.

Don't forget to like, and subscribe to stay updated on more inspiring stories of innovation and resilience on The Glow Up - Fabulous conversations with innovative minds!

About Liz Jensen

Liz Jensen, PhD, MSN, RN-BC is the Clinical Director at Direct Supply Innovation & Technology Center @MSOE. In her practice she collaborates with leaders in tech, business, academia, healthcare, and senior care/living to define, vet, and test solutions to the most challenging problems facing senior care and living providers. 

She runs the SPARK Clinical Collective, bringing clinicians, technology developers, engineers, and product designers together to build, test and pilot innovative solutions that address workforce retention, as well as health and safety outcomes of people residing in senior care/living centers. Dr. Jensen draws from her prior experience as a senior care nurse executive, educator, and direct care nurse to inform her education and advocacy efforts with policy makers, researchers, and investors in senior care. 

She holds a BSN from Creighton University, MSN from Cardinal Stritch University and PhD in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning & Service from Cardinal Stritch University researching future technology development and investment priorities of nursing executives in long term
care.

A "glow up" signifies a positive transformation, reflecting the journey of becoming a better, more successful version of oneself.

At The Tech Glow Up, we humanize the startup and innovation landscape by focusing on the essential aspects of the entrepreneurial journey. Groundbreaking ideas are often ahead of their time, making resilience and perseverance vital for founders and product leaders.

In our podcast, we engage with innovators to discuss their transformative ideas, the challenges they face, and how they create value for future success. 

If you're a founder or product leader seeking your own glow up, or a seasoned entrepreneur with stories to share, we invite you to join our guest list via this link.

Ashley Hamic, a rare disease mom and advocate, is the founder of Wish Ware Accessories, a company dedicated to creating innovative, adaptable, and personalized accessories for families with rare diseases. Here are the key takeaways from her conversation:

• Personal Origin Story: Ashley's journey began with her son Maddox's diagnosis of CTNNB1 syndrome, a rare condition that affects his physical, emotional, and mental abilities. This led her to create customized solutions to address his specific needs.
• Community Engagement: Ashley connected with other families in the CTNNB1 community, particularly through Effie Parks, who requested a wheelchair-friendly blanket for her son Ford. This collaboration sparked the development of various accessories tailored to the needs of children with disabilities.
• Innovative Products: Wish Ware Accessories includes items like waterproof blankets with straps to secure them in place, sensory books, and adaptive clothing such as swift-change t-shirts designed for children with tracheotomy tubes. These products aim to provide comfort, individuality, and practical solutions for daily challenges.
• Background in High Tech: Ashley's 18-year career in high tech, including roles in auditing, engineering, and operations management at companies like Cisco, has equipped her with valuable skills in product development, user experience, and iterative design.
• Iterative Design Process: Ashley emphasizes the importance of direct feedback from the community. She works closely with parents to understand their needs, creates prototypes, and iterates based on feedback to ensure the final products meet their requirements.

Key Takeaways:

• Addressing Rare Disease Needs: Wish Ware Accessories focuses on solving daily challenges faced by families with rare diseases through customized and adaptable products.
• Community-Driven Design: The company's products are developed in close collaboration with the community, ensuring they meet specific needs and provide individuality.
• High Tech Background: Ashley's experience in high tech has been instrumental in her approach to product development and user experience.
• Impact on Quality of Life: The accessories aim to provide comfort, agency, and the ability for children with disabilities to feel more like their peers.

About Ashley Hamic, Founder, Wish Wear Accessories

Ashley Hamic is the founder of Wish Wear Accessories creating innovative, fun, and functional products for children with disabilities. When her son Maddox was diagnosed with CTNNB1, a rare genetic disorder, Ashley began a mission to support families facing similar challenges. Wish Wear Accessories helps make everyday life a little easier with custom-made waterproof wheelchair accessories and other adaptable products that allow children to express their individuality. Ashley’s journey as a rare disease mom and her commitment to inclusion have shaped Wish Wear Accessories into a brand with empathy and community connection at its heart.

A "glow up" signifies a positive transformation, reflecting the journey of becoming a better, more successful version of oneself.

At The Tech Glow Up, we humanize the startup and innovation landscape by focusing on the essential aspects of the entrepreneurial journey. Groundbreaking ideas are often ahead of their time, making resilience and perseverance vital for founders and product leaders.

In our podcast, we engage with innovators to discuss their transformative ideas, the challenges they face, and how they create value for future success. 

If you're a founder or product leader seeking your own glow up, or a seasoned entrepreneur with stories to share, we invite you to join our guest list via this link.

Sarah Ticho and Niki Smit are the creators of SoulPaint, an innovative virtual reality (VR) experience designed to make emotions visible and help people connect with their bodies and feelings. Here are the key takeaways from their conversation:

• Origin Story: Sarah's personal experience navigating the healthcare system and feeling unheard led her to explore VR as a tool for expressing complex emotional states. She discovered body mapping, a process where individuals draw their emotions on a physical body outline, and saw potential in translating this to VR.
• Collaboration: Sarah and Niki met while working on a breath-controlled VR experience called Deep. Their collaboration on SoulPaint began when they discussed combining Sarah's healthcare insights with Niki's game design expertise to create an immersive experience where users can paint their emotions onto a 3D avatar in VR.
• Innovative Features: SoulPaint allows users to express emotions through painting and embodiment in VR. The experience leverages the visual and associative nature of human thinking to bypass language barriers in describing emotions. Users can paint their feelings onto a 3D avatar and then reflect on their creation, providing a new way to understand and communicate emotional experiences.
• Therapeutic Benefits: The platform aims to address challenges in communicating complex emotional experiences, particularly in healthcare settings where time is limited. By using play and embodiment, SoulPaint helps users access their subconscious feelings in a freer and more instinctive way.
• Future Vision: The creators envision SoulPaint as a tool for mental wellbeing and emotional regulation, leveraging the engaging nature of VR and game design to create healthy behaviors.

--- About Soul Paint - www.soulpaint.co

Niki Smit is an interactive artist creating playful experiences at the intersection of art, science and education. As co-director of Monobanda he has directed several award winning experiences including Explore Deep, Remembering, In My Absence and The Shape of Us. In 2020 he was awarded the Dutch Directors Guild award for Best Digital Storytelling.


Sarah Ticho is a multi-award-winning artist, strategist, and entrepreneur. She is founder of Hatsumi, a multidisciplinary agency dedicated to advancing human-centred experiences at the intersection of immersive art, scientific research, and healthcare. As co-director of the XR HealthAlliance, she supports the equitable adoption of immersive technology for healthcare across strategy and policy. Her work is featured in Forbes and BBC, and she speaks at festivals and institutions globally.

A "glow up" signifies a positive transformation, reflecting the journey of becoming a better, more successful version of oneself.

At The Tech Glow Up, we humanize the startup and innovation landscape by focusing on the essential aspects of the entrepreneurial journey. Groundbreaking ideas are often ahead of their time, making resilience and perseverance vital for founders and product leaders.

In our podcast, we engage with innovators to discuss their transformative ideas, the challenges they face, and how they create value for future success. 

If you're a founder or product leader seeking your own glow up, or a seasoned entrepreneur with stories to share, we invite you to join our guest list via this link.

Dan Scarfe is the CEO and founder of XRAI, a company that develops augmented reality solutions to break down communication barriers, particularly for those with hearing loss and across language differences.

Key Takeaways:

• Origin Story: XRAI was born from Dan's personal experience with his grandfather who had lost his hearing, inspiring the idea to combine real-time subtitles with augmented reality.
• Evolving Technology: Starting with assistive technology for hearing loss, XRAI expanded to facilitate cross-language communication and make events more accessible.
• Innovative Features: XRAI's "Auto Reverse" feature allows for seamless two-way conversations across languages, a significant improvement over traditional translation methods.
• Market Timing: Dan emphasizes the importance of timing in tech innovation, balancing between being too early and too late in the market.
• Hardware Challenges: While software capabilities are advancing, XRAI is still waiting for hardware breakthroughs to achieve the ideal AR glasses experience.

Dan's journey with XRAI began two and a half years ago, evolving from his background in enterprise IT. The company's initial focus was on providing real-time subtitles for individuals with hearing loss. However, they quickly expanded their vision to address language barriers, enabling conversations across 140 different languages.

XRAI's technology goes beyond simple translation. Their "Auto Reverse" feature allows for fluid two-way conversations, automatically detecting the spoken language and providing captions in the listener's preferred language. This approach significantly improves upon traditional translation methods by reducing communication delays.

Dan highlights the importance of balancing customer feedback with maintaining a focused vision. While open to user suggestions, he emphasizes the need to "stick to their knitting" and excel in a few key areas rather than trying to do everything.

The company faces challenges in hardware development, as the ideal AR glasses (lightweight, all-day wearable, full-color) are still a few years away. However, Dan sees this as an opportunity, positioning XRAI to be ready when the hardware catches up to their software capabilities.

Looking ahead, XRAI aims to continue refining their technology and expanding its applications, potentially revolutionizing how we communicate across languages and accessibility needs.

A "glow up" signifies a positive transformation, reflecting the journey of becoming a better, more successful version of oneself.

At The Tech Glow Up, we humanize the startup and innovation landscape by focusing on the essential aspects of the entrepreneurial journey. Groundbreaking ideas are often ahead of their time, making resilience and perseverance vital for founders and product leaders.

In our podcast, we engage with innovators to discuss their transformative ideas, the challenges they face, and how they create value for future success. 

If you're a founder or product leader seeking your own glow up, or a seasoned entrepreneur with stories to share, we invite you to join our guest list via this link.

Richard Zreik is the founder of InnoVationGirls, and Tereze Bogdane is a student and active member of the community. InnoVationGirls is a global community of young Gen Z girls and non-binary individuals working on innovative solutions to global problems, with a current focus on solving fast fashion waste using new technologies.Key Takeaways:

• Origin Story: InnoVationGirls was born from Richard's personal experience as a father, recognizing gender inequity in the workplace.
• Global Community: IVG has evolved into a worldwide network of young innovators, working remotely across many countries.
• Technology Focus: The group utilizes cutting-edge technologies like VR, AR, NFTs, and DAOs in their projects.
• Fast Fashion Solution: IVG is currently working on addressing fast fashion waste through innovative use of technology and creative thinking.
• Award-Winning Work: The team has gained international recognition, including winning best in show at the Augmented World Expo in Vienna.

Richard's journey began when he became a father and noticed the unfair treatment of women in the workplace. This realization led him and his wife to quit their corporate jobs and create a business model that could bring about change. InnoVationGirls evolved from this mission, aiming to tap into the latent innovative energy of young minds.

Tereze, representing the student perspective, describes IVG as a fun and engaging community where learning happens naturally through collaboration and creative problem-solving. She emphasizes the power of storytelling and the excitement of being part of a movement fighting for a better future.

The group's approach combines systematic inventive thinking with new technologies. Their current project on fast fashion waste involves using leftover fabric to create patches with NFC tags, turning them into NFTs that can represent tickets or memories.IVG's success is evident in their collaborations with major companies like Meta, Procter & Gamble, and General Electric. In one project for GE, they developed a solution for recycling K-cups in the workplace, which won first place among 50 competing teams.

Kickstarter Campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ivgworld-sesame/sesame-design-with-conscience   (live 11/18)

Website: https://ivg.world/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovationgirls

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivg.world/

A "glow up" signifies a positive transformation, reflecting the journey of becoming a better, more successful version of oneself.

At The Tech Glow Up, we humanize the startup and innovation landscape by focusing on the essential aspects of the entrepreneurial journey. Groundbreaking ideas are often ahead of their time, making resilience and perseverance vital for founders and product leaders.

In our podcast, we engage with innovators to discuss their transformative ideas, the challenges they face, and how they create value for future success. 

If you're a founder or product leader seeking your own glow up, or a seasoned entrepreneur with stories to share, we invite you to join our guest list via this link.

Moody Mattan is the co-founder and CEO of Brand XR, a company that offers a no-code augmented reality platform and professional XR services, focusing on making AR technology accessible to non-technical users and businesses.Key Takeaways:

• No-Code AR Platform: Brand XR's Studio allows users to create AR experiences without coding, similar to website builders like Squarespace or Wix.
• AR Murals: A unique product combining physical murals with AR technology, used by major brands like Verizon for engaging local communities.
• Rapid Prototyping: Brand XR emphasizes quick turnaround on prototypes, allowing clients to experience and provide feedback on AR projects within weeks.
• Industry Evolution: Moody's journey reflects the rapid growth and changes in the AR/VR industry over the past decade.

Moody's journey into AR began during his time in venture capital, where he first encountered AR technology through an investment in Meta (not Facebook's Meta). This experience led him to start a company producing Google Cardboard VR viewers, which sold millions of units.

Brand XR was born from Moody's realization that there was a need for easy-to-use AR creation tools. The company now offers both a no-code platform for creating AR experiences and professional services for custom projects.

One of Brand XR's standout products is their AR murals, which combine physical street art with interactive AR elements. These projects, like those for Verizon, involve collaboration between local artists, Brand XR's team, and the client's marketing departments to create engaging, localized experiences.

Moody emphasizes the importance of rapid prototyping in their process, allowing clients to experience and provide feedback on AR projects within weeks. This approach has been crucial in helping clients understand and engage with the technology.Looking ahead, Brand XR continues to focus on making AR technology accessible and useful for a wide range of applications, from marketing to education.

__ About Moody Mattan
Mahmoud “Moody” Mattan is a serial entrepreneur and the Founder & CEO of BrandXR, a No-Code Augmented Reality Platform and award-winning XR Studio. Under Moody’s leadership, BrandXR has delivered cutting-edge AR experiences for major brands such as Chevy, NASA, the NBA, and Verizon, transforming how these companies engage with their audiences. He has also established strategic AR partnerships with META, Snapchat, and TikTok, positioning BrandXR as a top AR creator in the industry.

Before founding BrandXR, Mr. Mattan built PowisVR, a multi-million-dollar virtual reality headset and mobile accessories business. His venture capital experience includes leading investments in Meta, Sidecar, and Genius (formerly Rap Genius) at Pegasus Tech Ventures. With a venture capital, business development, and marketing background, Mr. Mattan specializes in finding profitable strategies for emerging technologies.

A "glow up" signifies a positive transformation, reflecting the journey of becoming a better, more successful version of oneself.

At The Tech Glow Up, we humanize the startup and innovation landscape by focusing on the essential aspects of the entrepreneurial journey. Groundbreaking ideas are often ahead of their time, making resilience and perseverance vital for founders and product leaders.

In our podcast, we engage with innovators to discuss their transformative ideas, the challenges they face, and how they create value for future success. 

If you're a founder or product leader seeking your own glow up, or a seasoned entrepreneur with stories to share, we invite you to join our guest list via this link.

Tristan Elizabeth Gribben is the founder of Flow, an immersive meditation technology platform that aims to make meditation accessible and effective for modern, busy people.Key Takeaways:

• Innovative Approach: Flow combines technology with a unique meditation method (Breathe, Move, Let Go, Calm, Focus, Restore) to provide immediate access to the benefits of meditation.
• Multi-Platform Accessibility: Initially focused on VR, Flow has expanded to web, mobile, tablets, and TV, making it widely accessible across various devices.
• Adaptability: The company pivoted during COVID-19, expanding beyond VR to meet changing customer needs and preferences.
• Wide-ranging Applications: Flow is being used in corporate settings, prisons, rehab centers, and hospitals, demonstrating its versatility and effectiveness.
• Measurable Impact: The company focuses on gathering data and testimonials to quantify the benefits of their meditation technology.

Tristan's journey with Flow began in 2015, driven by her passion for meditation and a vision to make its profound benefits more accessible through technology. The company started with VR but has since expanded to multiple platforms to reach a wider audience.

Flow's unique approach combines immersive technology with a structured meditation method that includes breathing, movement, letting go of tension, finding calm, focusing, and restoring. This method has proven effective even for those who typically struggle with traditional meditation practices.

The company has faced challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, but has shown resilience by adapting their product offerings and expanding their reach. They've successfully implemented their technology in various settings, from corporate environments to healthcare facilities.

Tristan emphasizes the importance of listening to customer feedback while staying true to the core mission. This approach has led to positive developments, such as expanding to different platforms based on user needs in various settings.

Looking ahead, Flow aims to continue expanding its reach and impact, with a focus on providing accessible, effective meditation tools for diverse populations.

A "glow up" signifies a positive transformation, reflecting the journey of becoming a better, more successful version of oneself.

At The Tech Glow Up, we humanize the startup and innovation landscape by focusing on the essential aspects of the entrepreneurial journey. Groundbreaking ideas are often ahead of their time, making resilience and perseverance vital for founders and product leaders.

In our podcast, we engage with innovators to discuss their transformative ideas, the challenges they face, and how they create value for future success. 

If you're a founder or product leader seeking your own glow up, or a seasoned entrepreneur with stories to share, we invite you to join our guest list via this link.

Jennifer Johnson is the founder and CEO of JennJ Health and Fitness, focusing on digital health solutions for breast cancer patients. Her flagship product, FitnessCan, is a health and fitness app designed to support breast cancer patients before, during, and after treatment.Key Takeaways:

• Personal Experience Driving Innovation: Jennifer's own breast cancer diagnosis led her to create FitnessCan, addressing a gap in health tracking for cancer patients.
• Data-Driven Health Management: FitnessCan integrates wearable data, medication tracking, and journaling to provide a comprehensive health overview for patients and healthcare providers.
• Empowering Patients: The app aims to help breast cancer patients stay active during treatment, potentially improving outcomes and quality of life.
• Addressing Health Disparities: Jennifer's focus on health equity extends to increasing diversity in clinical trials and improving outcomes for women of color.
• Innovative Business Model: FitnessCan uses a freemium model, leveraging user data to provide value to healthcare providers, payers, and pharmaceutical companies.

Jennifer's journey into health tech entrepreneurship began with her unexpected diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer at a young age. As a fitness enthusiast and data analytics professional, she tracked her health meticulously during treatment, which inspired the creation of FitnessCan.

The app integrates data from wearables, medication tracking, and journaling to provide a comprehensive view of a patient's health during cancer treatment. This holistic approach allows patients to share detailed information with their healthcare providers, potentially leading to better-informed care decisions.

Jennifer emphasizes the importance of staying active during cancer treatment, citing studies that show up to 40% better outcomes for active patients. FitnessCan aims to make this easier by providing tailored suggestions based on the user's current health status.

A key aspect of Jennifer's mission is addressing health disparities, particularly for women of color. She highlights that Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer and represent less than 3% of clinical trials. FitnessCan aims to contribute to real-world evidence studies, potentially increasing diversity in research.

Jennifer's story is one of turning personal adversity into innovation, leveraging her professional experience in health tech to create a solution that could benefit many others facing similar challenges.

About our guest: Jennifer Johnson is the Founder and CEO of JennJ Health, dedicated to empowering breast cancer patients through digital fitness and wellness solutions. With over 15 years of experience in healthcare operations and as a breast cancer survivor herself, Jennifer is passionate about bridging gaps in patient care. 

JennJ Health's flagship product, the FitnessCan app, offers personalized fitness plans, mental wellness support, and a strong community network tailored to patients' needs before, during, and after treatment.

A "glow up" signifies a positive transformation, reflecting the journey of becoming a better, more successful version of oneself.

At The Tech Glow Up, we humanize the startup and innovation landscape by focusing on the essential aspects of the entrepreneurial journey. Groundbreaking ideas are often ahead of their time, making resilience and perseverance vital for founders and product leaders.

In our podcast, we engage with innovators to discuss their transformative ideas, the challenges they face, and how they create value for future success. 

If you're a founder or product leader seeking your own glow up, or a seasoned entrepreneur with stories to share, we invite you to join our guest list via this link.

Caspar Thykier is the CEO and co-founder of Zappar (zappar.com), a company focused on augmented reality (AR) technology. With a background in marketing and advertising, Caspar has been exploring the potential of AR for over 13 years.Key Takeaways:

• AR Evolution: Zappar has been at the forefront of AR development since mobile devices made the technology more accessible.
• Problem-Solving Focus: The company's approach is centered on finding practical applications for AR that solve real-world problems.
• Adaptability: Over 13 years, Zappar has navigated changing markets, evolving technology, and competition from tech giants.
• User-Centric Approach: Caspar emphasizes the importance of focusing on user experience and value rather than the technology itself.
• Diverse Applications: Zappar has found uses for AR ranging from enhancing children's toys to improving accessibility on product packaging.

Caspar's journey into AR began with a background in virtual worlds, particularly with PlayStation Home. The founding of Zappar was driven by the question, "What is AR on mobile devices good for?" This question has guided their innovation process for over a decade.The company's approach to innovation is multifaceted. 

They focus on creating practical applications that people will actually pay for, rather than relying solely on investment. This has led them to explore various use cases, from entertainment with Hasbro toys to accessibility solutions for Unilever product packaging.

A key insight Caspar shares is that people don't care about AR as a technology; they care about the value it provides. This user-centric approach has helped Zappar navigate the challenges of creating a market for a new technology while competing with larger tech companies.

Caspar highlights two significant projects that showcase Zappar's evolution:

1. Collaboration with Hasbro to enhance toys with AR, which required solving technical challenges like printing codes on various materials at high speeds.
2. Developing Zapvision, an enhancement to QR codes that improves accessibility for visually impaired individuals, in partnership with Unilever.

About Caspar Thykier

Caspar Thykier is the Co-Founder and CEO of Zappar, the world’s leading computer vision company, specialising in AR, MR and WebAR technologies. Caspar and the Zappar team have been vanguards in the XR industry for over 13 years, pioneering the tools, technology and hardware used by brands, businesses and XR creators across the world. Prior to founding Zappar, Caspar spent 15 years as a board director and managing director of major advertising agencies.

A "glow up" signifies a positive transformation, reflecting the journey of becoming a better, more successful version of oneself.

At The Tech Glow Up, we humanize the startup and innovation landscape by focusing on the essential aspects of the entrepreneurial journey. Groundbreaking ideas are often ahead of their time, making resilience and perseverance vital for founders and product leaders.

In our podcast, we engage with innovators to discuss their transformative ideas, the challenges they face, and how they create value for future success. 

If you're a founder or product leader seeking your own glow up, or a seasoned entrepreneur with stories to share, we invite you to join our guest list via this link.