7Our start-up of the week is HidnSeek, an internet of things start-up formed by former Intel Leixlip engineer Xavier Torres-Tuset that has built the first GPS open-source tracker using the Sigfox network.
The HidnSeek GPS Tracker ST-1A is an autonomous standalone device, rechargeable via a provided micro-USB port and LiPo battery, explains Torres-Tuset, who spent 14 years at Intel in Leixlip and is now based in Grenoble, France.
“It has an integrated antenna and connects to the Sigfox network straight out of the box, using a unique key for security and privacy. Users simply download the mobile or web app, register the tracker number in the app, and they’re up and running, able to set alerts, draw geofences or enter motion-detection modes, and start using the tracker immediately.”
Sigfox is a French start-up that has created a wireless network specifically for the internet of things and last year it raised $115m to build its network globally. The investors in SIGFOX include Telefonica, GDF Suez, NTT DoCoMo Ventures, SK Telecom, Air Liquide and Elliot Management.
The opportunities being created by the Sigfox network are being seized upon by start-ups like HidnSeek as well as Irish-based player VT Networks, which recently raised €1.2m to build Ireland’s first nationwide internet of things network.
‘The whole IoT arena is really exciting and presents a huge opportunity for Irish start-ups. Ireland currently has a good infrastructure and support network for start-ups including academic, state and industry programs’
– XAVIER TORRES-TUSET, HIDNSEEK
“The open APIs allow customers and developers to craft their own apps,” Torres-Tuset explained about HidnSeek’s GPS tracker.
“Key benefits over existing GPS technology includes greatly reduced power consumption for much longer battery life, along with much cheaper subscription costs and no requirement for a SIM card.”
The market
HidnSeek’s first product can offer asset management solutions, vehicle tracking, theft prevention, personal protection, child security, drone retrieval and light aircraft tracking, baggage tracking, building intrusion alerts and much more.
“Beyond our first product we want to design and build innovative IoT asset management solutions using SigFox connectivity.
“Traditional companies (who own or sell physical devices) cannot always benefit from the IoT revolution because it’s either complicated or they don’t have the knowledge.
“At HidnSeek, we really want to empower enterprise or customers by connecting existing assets to the digital world through IOT networks.”
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