Are VR/AR (Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality) glasses the future? It might bring to mind an awkward image. People lumbering with bulky headgear. Besides intense gaming, what are the practical uses for VR/AR technology? By refocusing the innovation and having the courage to pivot, GridRaster Inc. reveals that VR/AR technology is not reserved for gaming enthusiasts. This innovative start-up is creating the foundation for a new world.
Seeing Beyond the Bulky Glasses
Rishi Ranjan, CEO and Founder of GridRaster Inc., joins me in the mobile studio to share his insights on this burgeoning technology. VR/AR tech has amazing, unexpected uses. But it’s hard work on the road ahead. It’s a road with some twists and turns, such as when the GridRaster team made the decision to pivot.
Rishi highlights the complexities of developing infrastructure to sustain VR/AR for the future. Speaking of future, Rishi believes VR/AR glasses will be the next ubiquitous device.
“We strongly believe by 2025, everyone will be walking around with these glasses. But, we have to start building the infrastructure today.”
Mobile phone shelved, we will all don a pair of streamlined VR/AR glasses to interact with the world. Think sunglasses with superpowers.
Consumer or Industry: Refocus
Things weren’t so clear for Rishi in the beginning. When GridRaster Inc. started in 2015, the focus was on VR/AR for the general public – the consumer. They centered the technology around the mobile device platform. Gaming was the assumed end use.
GridRaster soon realized refocusing the innovation was essential. Their focus shifted from consumer to industrial and retail businesses. Industries can afford to invest in this technology and see a return on investment.
Time to Pivot
Business partner ODG helped GridRaster pivot. They homed in on three use cases – industrial maintenance work, industrial training, and retail business.
Rishi states, “This will be the beachhead – they can build the network based on these use cases.” GridRaster continues to develop and refine their technology. As they establish infrastructure, the game's afoot. By refocusing the innovation now, their future customers will have a product that is usable and affordable for gaming and beyond.
Balance and Adapt
Rishi has two lessons to share:
1. Keep your family onboard with the start-up process.
- Don’t lose sight of what’s most important – your loved ones.
- Apprise family members of what’s going on
- Have balance – don’t let your start-up consume your life
2. Be ready and willing to adapt, refocusing the innovation if needed.
- Weigh input from partners, mentors, customers.
- Same input from multiple sources? Might be time to pivot.
Check out GridRaster’s innovative VR/AR technology at https://gridraster.com/.
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