Cover The five finalist for the APAC regional demo event of the Oppo Inspiration Challenge 2023 in Bangkok
The five finalist for the APAC regional demo event of the Oppo Inspiration Challenge 2023 in Bangkok
1 / 1
These five startups in Asia Pacific are now closer to winning a massive grant from Oppo to further their innovations
The recently concluded APAC regional demo event of the Oppo Inspiration Challenge 2023 in Bangkok saw five teams of innovators who will now head to the final leg of this initiative later this year for a chance to win the grand prize of US$ 50,000, partnership prospects, and further support from Oppo as well as its collaborators, facilitating the realisation of their pioneering concepts.
Read more: Innovation shines forth at Oppo’s Inspiration Challenge 2023
Announced in May, the Oppo Inspiration Challenge 2023 is a global initiative aimed at empowering global entrepreneurs and technology professionals to create innovative solutions and, in doing so, shape a better future for everyone. With 687 innovative proposals from 66 countries, the proposals fall under two main categories, ‘Inspiration for People’, which emphasises technological innovation for the betterment of human health and well-being. In contrast, the ‘Inspiration for the Planet’ category focuses on achieving carbon neutrality.
Here are the five finalists from the regional demo event in Bangkok.
Benew Tech, Thailand
Above Boonya Kitpitak, chief technology officer and co-founder, Benew Tech
Boonya Kitpitak, chief technology officer and co-founder, Benew Tech
1 / 1
Thailand’s Benew Tech is the startup behind Ertigo, a mobile app that uses artificial intelligence and interactive features to improve users’ physical health and wellness, specifically for myofascial pain syndrom and chronic pain. The app offers offers ergonomic interactive self-care animations, muscle and posture check-up with AI, gamification, and connection to physiotherapy clinics for personalised self-care plans.
Mila4AI, Uzbekistan
Above Firouza Eshonova, founder, Mila4AI
Firouza Eshonova, founder, Mila4AI
1 / 1
Mila4AI from Uzbekistan has developed EZSpeech, an app that aids those with speech disorders to improve their speaking ability. EZSpeech employs AI to prescribe oral motor and articulation exercises without needing a therapist present during their treatment giving those who live in places that lack access to speech therapists an opportunity to improve on their condition. The app uses AI to provide real-time feedback and generate reports as well.
See also: Oppo’s APAC president has big plans for foldable smartphones in 2023
Backyard Creators, India
Above Raman R, co-founder, Backyard Creators
Raman R, co-founder, Backyard Creators
1 / 1
Twin brothers Raman R and Lakshmanan R of Madurai, India are the people behind Backyard Creators and the developer of Impulse, a low-cost hearing aid designed to help individuals born with congenital hearing impairments. The low cost device is an affordable and effective alternative to otherwise costly and invasive surgery or implantation traditionally associated with congenital hearing impairments. The device magnetically stimulates the wearer’s cochlea to address the impairment and improve the patient’s condition.
Mobio Interactive, Singapore
Above Avetis Muradyan, chief technology officer, Mobio Interactive
Avetis Muradyan, chief technology officer, Mobio Interactive
1 / 1
Singapore’s Mobio Interactive presents a novel way to identify mental health challenges early and offer digital solutions that can scale globally. Using AmDTx, an AI-powered digital therapeutic platform that provides objective data on mental wellness, physicians use to prescribe clinically validated interventions and improve health equity, without requiring wearables or constant connectivity. With a mental health problem in the world that’s rapidly becoming humanity’s greatest crisis, Mobio Interactive aims to close the gap between accessibility and cost with its platform.
Don't miss: How AI and 5G can power innovation and productivity in the workplace
Flint, Singapore
Above Carlo Charles, co-founder, Flint
Carlo Charles, co-founder, Flint
1 / 1
Nanyang Technological University student, Carlo Charles is the brainchild behind Flint, a paper battery that could serve as a safe and sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries. These paper batteries are capable of storing and converting renewable energy while reducing the carbon footprint of energy storage by using sustainable materials. Its unique design is highly adaptable allowing manufacturers to get creative with its shape. Flint batteries are also biodegradable, leak-proof and non-explosive, making them safer than standard batteries.
These five winners will now join a larger pool of 15 global finalists to participate in an acceleration camp connecting them with senior executives from Oppo, technology and investment experts, and industry partners. The acceleration camp leads to the challenge’s global demo event when the global finalists will pitch for a chance to receive the grant and other prizes.
Credits
Images: Oppo
Sim Wie Boon is the general manager of Tatler Malaysia. Previously the print and digital editor, Sim hails from the land of the hornbills, Sarawak. Sim is now based in Kuala Lumpur and brings more than a decade of experience in the media industry as a journalist and broadcast producer.
As a self-proclaimed geriatric millennial, he appreciates the finer things in life, from savouring a sip of single malt whisky to relishing in the deliciousness of char siew. While reminiscing about the indie-sleaze era, Sim now finds solace in the soothing tunes of ambient music, staying active through running and occasionally succumbing to the addictive world of doom scrolling.
Follow him on Instagram or Threads at @simwb
