SensorWeb platform unites cloud computing and internet of things
Created by industrial automation and control engineers Victor Rocha Pusch, with 16 years of experience in software application development and integration, and Douglas Pesavento, a consultant for the Centros de Referência em Tecnologias Innovadoras Foundation (CERTI) since 2003 in the area of IT infrastructure. , Telecommunications and Security of Networks and Systems, the startup SensorWeb (http://www.sensorweb.com.br/), offers an innovative technological platform for continuous monitoring, through mobile devices, of the storage and transport conditions of critical inputs. The startup is incubated at MIDI Technological, an incubator managed by the Santa Catarina Association of Technology Companies (ACATE) and maintained by Sebrae/SC.
Sensors that capture and record physical variables, such as temperature and humidity and that can be monitored remotely, are especially important for the health area, such as for the conservation of medicines, vaccines, blood and other supplies.
In an interview with Portal ABES, the entrepreneurs tell how was the process of creating the startup, the conception of the business, the importance of incubation in the Technological Midi, the first customers and plans for the future.
– What is the SensorWeb platform?
SensorWeb is an innovative technological platform for continuous monitoring of storage and transport conditions of critical inputs. SensorWeb captures and records physical variables such as temperature, humidity and opening of doors, in environments or equipment such as freezers, conservation chambers and greenhouses. Developed for operation via the Internet, with access on microcomputers and mobile platforms (tablet and smartphone), SensorWeb was built on the most up-to-date technological premises in Information Systems and Telemetry: Cloud Computing and the “Internet of Things”. The big difference is to deliver to the customer a complete solution for the registration and monitoring demand, and not just a tool. In addition to the technology involved, we implement, accompany the monitoring with the customer, guarantee continuous 24 x 7 operation of the solution, in order to guarantee the reliability of measurements and validity against regulatory agencies, such as ANVISA and INMETRO.
– Why did you decide to launch a startup?
We had already created a startup before, which did not work out. It didn't go bankrupt, but it also didn't grow the way we planned. Therefore, the creation of SensorWeb took place by taking advantage of the knowledge acquired from years in the MCA company and correcting the mistakes made before.
– Since when are they incubated in the Technological Midi? How did this partnership make a difference in the company's evolution?
We have been incubating since April 2013. At the current stage we are in, the partnership is very important because of the training for the partners and, mainly, for some key members of the team, and also for the consultancy we have available. Recently, MIDI started an assessment and monitoring of companies, through monthly indicators. This initiative is very important for the incubator and also for the company, as we have to review and present our results on a monthly basis, allowing for a more detailed assessment by the incubator.
– How was the idea of developing this startup born? How long have you been developing this product/service?
The idea was born when we got to know the Hemosc (Blood Bank of SC) and we saw the great demand in the temperature record, dozens of freezers, chambers and environments being monitored manually. We took advantage of the knowledge we had in the area to start developing a replicable solution, that is, one that would serve every institution in the health area with the same demand. We have been involved with this since 2009. The first version of the solution that involves hardware (sensors and monitoring center) and software in the cloud was presented to the market at the end of 2011, at HEMO 2011, Congress of Hematology and Hemotherapy.
– In your opinion, what is the target audience? What are the main innovation differentials?
The target audience is currently institutions that seek to guarantee the quality and reliability of products and services offered in the health area, where the registration and monitoring of thermolabile products (which depend on temperature) are fundamental for the business. At this point, we highlight blood banks, hospitals and research laboratories. As a differential, we deliver a national 100% technology that allows continuous improvement and evolution of our products, combined with the service of operation and management of the entire monitoring platform.
– What are the main lessons learned in this incubation period?
Learning to focus on results and for that it is very important to set goals and follow them so as not to get lost along the way or deviate from the most important activities.
– What are the next steps for your startup?
We are in the initial stage of a startup, but we have already conquered the first clients, some of the weight, such as ICESP, Fiocruz and Hemosc. We reached a significant number of installed sensors: one thousand sensors monitored by the platform in 2013. In addition, we had the investment of a company in the field of medical and hospital equipment, FANEM. The next step is to generate scale, that is, we want to reach 10,000 sensors in the next two years.
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