Return to active life
“Return to active life” - unique project to be implemented thanks to Intel’s support
A new device that allows people with severe mobility challenges to access the Internet and lead more productive lives garnered top honors at this year’s Business of Innovation and Technology-2006 (BIT) contest sponsored by Intel Russia’s Business Catalization Office (BCO). Intel Russia BCO catalyzes business and technology initiatives that strengthen Intel Russia’s value-add position benefiting Intel and Russia as a whole. The ‘Return to Active Life’ project, developed by the Moscow Gravitonus’ Gt group with active support from BCO, was the winning presentation at the annual event, held July 16 in Moscow.
GRAViTONUS is a winner of Business Innovation & Technologies (BIT) 2006 contest!
The BIT contest is part of the Intel Technical Entrepreneurship Program - a joined effort of Intel Higher Education and Intel Capital group. The program helps cultivate business expertise in students and assists beginner entrepreneurs by organizing business plan competitions where they can present their innovative solutions to potential investors. This is the third time the contest was conducted in Russia. Several projects from the 2004 and 2005 contests have successfully obtained investment funding.
The “Return to Active Life” project introduced the Alternative Computer Control System (ACCS), a device designed by practicing orthopedist surgeon Alexey Kosik and his colleagues. The ACCS device, which uses a combined keyboard and joystick, can be placed on an individual’s upper palate and connected directly to a PC. The device allows people whose bodies are motionless the ability to browse through the Internet or even manage work tasks. “The ACCS device can dramatically improve the quality of life of people with mobility challenges and their level of independence,” said Dmitry Tsypin, BCO business development manager. Tsypin added that when ACCS is connected with the Intel “smart house” - type system, the device can even turn on the air-conditioner, light and heating, open and close the door, and perform other similar tasks.
Intel Russia’s BCO assisted the Moscow Gravitonus Gt group in preparation for their successful entry. BCO together with iCAP managers helped Alexey Kosik and his team work out a business case for ACCS, and then linked them to Intel Russia Higher Education Technical Entrepreneurship Program, which allowed the project to participate in the BIT-2006 contest with a $20,000 gift voucher sponsored by Intel. The victory in BIT has put ACCS on the home stretch for successful implementation.
“We’re glad that now the “Return to Active life” project has a feasible chance for realization,” said Tsypin. “Intel Russia BCO will continue to identify and foster new research and companies that offer innovation solutions that can impact people’s lives through wide adoption of new technologies”.