Skirting around traditional forms of investment,
campaigns collect money from the public. Using the platform, project creators can become full-fledged entrepreneurs with a few weeks of fundraising and a compelling promotional video. We’ve rounded up some of the most innovative NYC-based campaigns to surface on Kickstarter this year that are sure to have you reaching for your wallet.
Make Time Clock is a physical object to help motivate and understand your creative rhythm. The clock, which takes form as a minimalist wooden block, has a single “clock-in” button that records progress. The object holds creators accountable for their internal deadlines, as the tangible object tracks work schedules in a low-pressure format. The clock is made out of walnut and has 6 RGB LED lights at its front, a metal switch on the top and a power cord on the back. Inside of the clock is a WiFi and power module that can connect the clock to your local network in order to unlock more customized settings.
On Dec. 4, Make Time Clock successfully raised $43,794 with 444 backers.
Blackout is a virtual reality film that is part video game, part documentary. The film takes place on the New York City Subway, where a power outage ensues. The viewer, watching the film through a virtual reality headset, is then gifted with telepathy to discover the thoughts of his/her fellow passengers.
To date, the project has raised $31,927 from 410 backers and will conclude fundraising on Dec. 17.
Touch Anywhere Software explores a new approach to interacting with images. Using a projector, laptop and Kinect sensor, Touch Anywhere Software creates interactive walls for experiential learning, self-development and family time.
To date, the campaign has raised $2,601 from 29 backers and will conclude on Dec. 29.
Planty is an Internet-connected planter that allows you to monitor and water plants on-the-go through a mobile app. Planty can monitor your plants’ soil, temperature, light and water levels and deliver this data directly to you via Planty’s app. For example, if your plant is dry and needs water, you can react and water your plant directly from your mobile app.
On May 23, Plantly successfully raised $103, 127 from 500 backers.
Jewelbots are programmable friendship bracelets that teach children the basics of coding. The technology-enabled jewelry works as a means for communicating amongst friends, as the bracelets light up when they detect a user’s friend nearby and buzz to send messages.
On August 7, Jewelbots successfully raised $166,945 with 1,820 backers.
Autonomous Desk is the world's first smart, connected desk powered by artificial intelligence. Autonomous Desk uses AI technology to learn about you and moves from sitting to standing positions throughout the day. The desk senses your arrival in the morning, where it adjusts into a standing position to help you start your day on a healthy note. If you end up sitting for hours throughout the day, the desk automatically reminds you to stand up to incorporate mixed working positions into your routine.
On May 31, SmartDesk successfully raised $285,422 with 468 backers.
Atossa is a line of 3D-printed footwear that utilizes ergonomic design for a customized and comfortable shoe fit. As an added bonus, Atossa shoes are also recyclable.
To date, Atossa has raised $9,706 from 53 backers and will conclude fundraising on Jan. 17.
Braille Academy is an interactive web application designed to teach users Unified English Braille Code. The fundraising campaign hopes to raise $8,000 to provide a full platform that will help sighted, low-visibility and blind users (who use screen reader devices) learn Braille.
To date, Braille Academy has raised $200 from 1 backer and will conclude fundraising on Jan. 6.
THE O: Wearable + App to Never Lose or Forget Anything
THE O is a wearable that works as a mobile personal assistant to remind users when they leave their belongings behind. The product functions like this: Users attach THE O to their most important possessions and then when they are about to forget an item, the app alerts them before they leave it.
On Oct. 8, THE O successfully raised $84,545 from 966 backers.
