In this Spotlight we are featuring an exciting Startup that is transforming the lives of older people through tackling big issues of access to care and social isolation amongst the elderly.
Through a simple set-top box that transforms any TV into a video calling platform, Speakset is helping the elderly easily connect with healthcare professionals as well as their friends and family. See below for a summary of their business and milestones to date. Look out for an interview with the founders (coming soon).
SpeakSet is a service that makes it easy to do video consultations. The service has been specifically designed around older people to connect them to care services and family network. This is using a set-top box that converts any TV and is operated by a simple remote control.
For a healthcare professional, video calls can be made through a web portal. This remote care delivery has a two-fold benefit; improving care and reducing costs.
SpeakSet has been created with a focus on user-centered design. Development is continuous and based entirely on feedback from users. Through understanding older people’s needs, the concept for SpeakSet was born, developed and tested. SpeakSet is currently in use with CCGs, charities and care homes and showing positive results.
2013
January
Speakset Founded
February
Shell LiveWire Award
April
First prototypes built and given to people to test
June
Formation of Advisory Board
November
Awarded £50,000 funding grant from the Nominet Trust. Tech City News Award for Social Good
December
First NHS rollout
2014
March
UnLtd Big Venture Challenge Winners
June
Her Majesty The Queen uses Speakset at event celebrating the British Technology Industry
September
Impact Hub Fellowship for Longer Lives Award
December
SpeakSet named in Nominet Trust 100 (alongside the likes of Google X)
Speakset mentioned in Forbes
Foundations are set. Trials have been successful. Older people using the system love it. The Queen has used it. Now SpeakSet can open their doors and start working with new partners.
Patients needing care at home (and need the familiarity of the TV)
Care providers - GPs, Nurses, Carers, Family, Friends
Adi Kasliwal - Entrepreneur First 2013. Vehicle Dynamics at McLaren Automotive. 1st Class MEng - Oxford University.
Ewan Marshall - Entrepreneur First 2013. First class masters in Physics - University of Bristol
Matthew Simmonds - Entrepreneur First 2013. Design Engineer at McLaren Racing. 1st Class MEng - Oxford University.
Do what you love, Get out of the building, Learn from others
Email: adi@speakset.com
Phone: 02071536627
Twitter: @speaksetUK
w: speakset.com
- Audio Clip of John (one of our users): Soundcloud