Qld Government tracking success of innovative startup

Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch today (Saturday) applauded the entrepreneurial thinking behind a device poised to become a global business helping people with special needs live independently.

Ms Enoch said Find-Me Technologies has developed the Carers Watch, a wearable device with locator and alert technology for people including those living with dementia or the very elderly.

“Find-Me Technologies is among a number of startups located at the Palaszczuk Government-backed The Precinct, Queensland’s new innovation hub located in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley,” Ms Enoch said.

“Queensland startups such as Find-Me Technologies are developing inspirational new products and services which have the potential to improve people’s lives and community living standards everywhere.

“It is very important that our latest generation of budding entrepreneurs – the ones who will get the full benefit of The Precinct’s open collaborative environment – learn from the experience of local success stories like Find-Me,” she said.

The Find-Me Carers Watch incorporates the capabilities of a mobile phone, a panic alert (with two-way voice communication), tracking through a global positioning system, a fall sensor, and is water resistant.

Find-Me has come a long way since Brisbane co-founders Bruce Jeffers and David Ingerson first began their startup journey in a garage.

Mr Jeffers said the Carers Watch device was designed with their own family members in mind.

“My grandmother was 90 years old and prone to having falls, and David’s father had been diagnosed with dementia and had started wandering – but they both wanted to continue living independently in their own homes,” Mr Jeffers said.

“We developed this technology so that people like my grandmother could continue living the way they wanted to, while giving carers peace of mind knowing we could help if they needed it.

“Our technology allowed my grandmother to live independently in her home for a further six years.”

Mr Jeffers said the watch launched to market in late January and there were plans to expand into New Zealand.  He describes The Precinct as ‘crucial’ to Queensland's economic future.

“With the range of depth and knowledge located at The Precinct, it would be difficult to find a business challenge that one of The Precinct's businesses, investors and entrepreneurs hasn't already successfully navigated," he said.

Find-Me is supported by Australian venture capital specialist One Ventures Pty Ltd, which has also chosen to locate its Brisbane office at The Precinct.

“Proximity to other elements in the startup ecosystem and visibility within the innovation community are key drivers for us in moving to The Precinct,” said General Partner and Executive Director Anne-Marie Birkill.

Visit www.carerswatch.com.au for more information.

The Palaszczuk Government invested $6 million from its $405 million Advance Queensland initiative to help deliver The Precinct.

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