Computerworld

​Kiwi start-up delivers knock-out blow at Samsung Springboard comp

“If our technology can help save one child’s life on the sports field, than that’s a job well done."
Martin Weekes - Chief Commercial Officer, CSx

Martin Weekes - Chief Commercial Officer, CSx

Kiwi start-up CSx has taken out the top prize in the first ever Samsung Springboard competition, announced at the final pitching event held in Auckland.

The team at CSx presented the judging panel a high-tech solution that tackles the issue of sports concussion, particularly in rugby players.

As explained on the night, the concept uses an integrated technology platform and sensor for concussion management and monitoring of real time head impact.

As a result, CSx claimed the cash prize of $30,000, $10,000 worth of Samsung products, three Icehouse workshops and introductions to Samsung’s global ventures team.

CSx Chief Commercial Officer, Martin Weekes, says the win will help the team provide technology to a broader range of athletes.

“We’re all passionate rugby supporters, so anything we can do to improve safety at a grass root level is a priority for us,” he adds.

“If our technology can help save one child’s life on the sports field, than that’s a job well done.

“Hopefully this will also give parents the reassurance to encourage their children to participate in all the sports we grew up with. We need future all blacks.”

Six finalists got on stage at Auckland’s Maritime Museum to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges comprising of some of New Zealand’s most influential Kiwi business leaders.

Judges included Managing Director of Samsung New Zealand, Kenny Yeon; CEO of The Icehouse, Cam Wallace; CEO of PowerbyProxi, Greg Cross; Enterprise Director of Samsung New Zealand, Verdon Kelliher; an d Dr. Michelle Dickinson (aka Nano Girl).

The finalists covered a wide range of savvy and innovative Kiwi tech leaders, encompassing a diverse range of industries and applications.

Samsung’s Kenny Yeon says the judges looked for several criteria when making a final decision on the winner, looking at both original and innovative concepts and business capabilities to support global growth.

“CSx presented a very solid business model, but their idea has a unique kiwi flavour, honing in on a common yet serious issue affecting one of New Zealand’s most loved sports,” Yeon adds.

“I’m excited to see how CSx will use this opportunity to develop their platform further, expanding out to other professional sport industries overseas and within a wider health setting.”

Three special prizes were also awarded over the course of the evening.

I Measure U was awarded a second place prize of three months tenancy at Kiwi Landing Pad and flights for two to San Francisco for their idea of wearable devices designed to provide athletes with measurements to enhance their performance.

Auror, a platform created to provide better visibility of crime, was awarded the choice of $10,000 Samsung development funding or $10,000 Samsung technology.

Winning the publicly voted People’s Choice Award was MediKOL, who took home $1,000 of Samsung technology and a two-day workshop from The Icehouse.

Samsung launched the Samsung Springboard competition in partnership with The Icehouse, with the intention of developing a platform to help New Zealand tech start-ups secure the resources and network introductions to make the leap into global markets.

he Springboard Competition was conceived as a way to cast the spotlight on local business talent, and encourage New Zealand’s emerging tech entrepreneurs.

Yeon says Samsung will continue to work closely alongside CSx and the other finalists in providing them with opportunities and introductions to their global network.

“This is part of Samsung’s vision to play a pivotal role in developing talent within New Zealand’s tech industry,” Yeon adds.