Beltmap was born in 2018 from the idea of Francesco Volpi, a 34-year-old engineer from Finale Ligure (SV) who works between Genoa and Milan. The team is completed by Paolo Ferrazza, 33-year-old engineer from Genova, and Giorgia Delogu, 22-year-old economist at Bocconi school. The start-up has created a highly innovative electronic device in the smart mobility sector, which allows people with visual difficulties to orient themselves and move freely in space. Through the use of a special belt, connected to a mobile app, the device is capable of giving directional commands and guiding the subject to the chosen destination. A device made in Italy and at the same time unique on the market, which has already attracted the attention of electronics multinationals such as Renesas, which sponsored part of the industrialization.
Beltmap represents a real “Google Maps for the blind”, capable of instantly geo-locating a subject and leading it to the chosen destination. Beltmap users, wearing the belt connected to the proprietary app, have the opportunity to concentrate completely on the movements they are carrying out, autonomously avoiding common road hazards and surrounding distractions caused by environmental noise.
The product was designed, manufactured and tested thanks to the support of AGERANV – Association of Parents of Blind Children – of the Italian Blind Union, and of the Blind Institute of Milan.
The product has the following characteristics:
- The proprietary Mobile App, compatible with Android and iOS systems, can use multiple third-party map services, including those of Google Maps, and receives the voice commands for identifying the desired route.
- The hardware (vibrating belt) and the software (smartphone app) are integrated and wireless: both use Bluetooth Low Energy technology for connection.
- The device has ample charging autonomy
- The solution is complementary to an instrument, for example the white stick, which allows the person to detect obstacles or proximity hazards.
Beltmap’s path within Get it! the impact investment readiness program of Fondazione Social Venture GDA
The Beltmap team successfully participated in the second Call for Impact of Get it! – Sustainable and accessible tourism and enhancement of cultural and environmental heritage. The Social Venture GDA Foundation program, created in partnership with Cariplo Factory – offered the startup an incubation path at theLombard accelerator Impact Hub Milan and the development of the business strategy thanks to the mentorship program, in synergy with Alfredo Scarfone Board Members di TechSoup.
Thanks to the Get it! Call For Impact programs, the Beltmap team has embarked on a path of growth and enhancement of the business project, allowing it to interface with an audience of investors interested in supporting the startup strategy.
The investment of Fondazione Social Venture GDA
On May 16th 2019 as part of the Get it! Investor Day, the Fondazione Social Venture Giordano Dell’Amore as appointed Beltmap asBest Startup For Impact 2019, encouraging its potential impact and investing 27,500 in equity.
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