Seeking technology start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs for CW and ghd Innovation Hive

Calling all DesignSpark members! ghd and Cambridge Wireless (CW) are offering an unmissable opportunity to co-design a prototype connected hair styling device that takes hair care to the next level. The call to enter is now open and 5 selected companies will get the opportunity to work with ghd R&D, the CW community and tech mentors in the new ghd Innovation Hive.

ghd is one of the world’s best-known hair styling brands and was acquired by the third largest global beauty company, Coty, in 2016. Now ghd is entering the connected devices market and has partnered with Cambridge Wireless to establish the ghd Innovation Hive, bringing together ghd’s R&D team, the CW community and an upcoming generation of technology entrepreneurs..

The ghd Innovation Hive is looking for start-ups, SMEs and scale-ups with skills and experience in (but, not restricted to!) the following areas:

• Internet of Things
• Smart/connected devices
• Mobile applications
• Sensor technology
• Machine learning / Data processing
• User experience
• Data security

From the entrants, five companies will be selected and invited to participate for three months from October 2018. Selected companies will work on a prototype design alongside ghd R&D, technology mentors and the CW community. The work is funded and should IP from the ghd Innovation Hive be taken to market, commercial terms may be negotiated.

Tim Moore, VP Smart Device at Coty commented: “Putting the capabilities of digital connectivity into the hands of users is the next step for beauty electronics and the best ideas always come from diverse, inclusive teams. By nurturing start-ups in the ghd Innovation Hive and aligning their creativity and agility with the experience of the ghd product development team, we will be able to design advanced device prototypes in a shorter period of time.”

The ghd Innovation Hive will be based in the Bradfield Centre in Cambridge, providing a fast-paced and supportive environment for the team of talented software developers, engineers and user experience designers. This allows participants to become fully immersed in user requirements from a beauty industry perspective and provides the opportunity to work with experts from the complete supply chain, from salon technicians to device designers.

UPDATE

Please note, entries are now closed.