Every innovation has roots, a story that traces back to a moment of inspiration or a challenge that demanded a solution. At Sensables, our story is deeply personal, intertwined with life experiences that underscored the importance of the air we breathe. Today, we're excited to unveil the narrative behind Sensables, shedding light on the passion and purpose that fuels our mission.
A Personal Awakening
Our CEO Gideon's journey began in an unexpected way. As a young, energetic teenager, he felt invincible. Sports, school, work – nothing seemed out of reach. However, at the age of 20, a sudden health scare changed everything. After experiencing chest pain during a basketball game, he found himself in the hospital, battling complications from a collapsed lung. This life-threatening event, followed by another similar incident a few years later, made him acutely aware of the importance of lung health and the air we breathe. For a deeper insight into his personal journey and the significance of clean air, you can read his full story here.
Similarly, our CTO, Josh, had an awakening of his own. The birth of his first child brought with it an overwhelming responsibility. In his quest to provide the best for his son, Josh stumbled upon the alarming facts about indoor air pollution. He was shocked to learn that we spend 90% of our time indoors, and yet, the air we breathe inside can be more polluted than the air outside. Most homes only monitor for basic threats like smoke and carbon monoxide, neglecting other harmful pollutants such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which play a significant role in indoor air quality. To get a comprehensive understanding of what you might be breathing in your home, explore the most common indoor air pollutants.
The Birth of IAQ
These personal experiences became the foundation of IAQ. Gideon’s firsthand experience with lung health and Josh's realization about indoor air quality led them to a shared mission. With their combined expertise in data science, machine learning, and automation, they set out to create a tool that would make it easier for everyone to measure and manage indoor air quality.
The initial prototype was a simple Raspberry Pi Zero, housed in a 3D printed case, equipped with sensors. This DIY solution was Josh's first step in understanding and optimizing air quality. It was the spark that ignited the idea for IAQ, a smart device capable of detecting every dangerous indoor air pollutant flagged by the EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency). For a deeper dive into the origins of IAQ and the journey of its first prototype, you can read Josh's personal account here.
Kickstarter Success and Beyond
With a prototype in hand and a clear vision, we decided to test our product in the market. We launched on Kickstarter, and to our delight, we raised 200% of our goal, despite being newcomers to the platform. This overwhelming support validated our belief in the product and its potential to make a difference.
Post-Kickstarter, we assembled a dedicated team, refined our designs, and tested manufacturing processes. But what's next for Sensables after our success on Kickstarter and Indiegogo?
The Future of Sensables
We're thrilled to announce the launch of our online store, Sensables.io that brings our groundbreaking IAQ device directly to customers. As we move forward, our focus remains on continuous improvement. We aim to refine our machine learning models, enhance the user interface, and work closely with user feedback to elevate the overall experience. Certifications for our sensors and wireless connections are also on the horizon.
Furthermore, we're exploring opportunities to raise Angel funding, which will aid in product shipments and further developments. We're also keen on collaborating with government programs and securing grants. Our goal is to ensure that more people, especially those in vulnerable situations, have access to our devices.
Sensables is not just a product; it's a movement. A movement towards awareness and monitoring for healthier indoor environments, better air quality, and a safer, more comfortable living experience for all. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey and thank you for your continued support.
For those of you who are new to the world of air quality monitoring and have questions or are curious about the specifics, we recommend checking out our guide on common air quality monitor questions.