Some of you may know, I spent many years based in Denmark managing a global business division of Philips Electronics. That period influenced my way of thinking about the world, and how we should all try to find balance in everything we do. Scandinavians don’t generally get to enjoy the fantastic summers we get in Australia, but they do produce great designers, who think about product life cycle and how to create better products that are more sustainable.

When Rasmus our new product designer reached out from Sweden to ask if he could join the Wattcost project, he also offered to bring his oversized computer on the plane to avoid the waste of buying another computer. We immediately knew he was one of us, and after seeing his previous work jumped at the chance of having him join the team here in Sydney.

It was great to meet and talk with so many Wattcost customers, after presenting at the Sydney City Talk on Democratising Technology last week with Lord Mayor, Clover Moore and Square Payments founder, Jim McKelvey. There was also an insightful panel discussion on the data and security challenges posed by the largely unregulated data technology sector. We hold very strong views that consumers should own and control their personal data. You can view the recorded event and presentation here.

We’re now making good headway on cutting and finishing the 18 tools for plastic injection and metal stamped parts, after having to abruptly move tool manufacture from China to Malaysia last month. With over 300 electronic parts in each Wattcost Beacon, the global parts shortage is also impacting our production timing and likely to push the pilot production for product certification into June. We’re working hard to mitigate these delays wherever possible.

Stay tuned for next months progress update and more pictures of product parts as they start coming off the production lines.

Warmest regards,

David

CEO & Co-founder