What is it?
AppKettle is a clever invention and the brainchild of Robert and Richard Hill. Simply put, the ultimate smart kettle that can be activated by an easy to use phone app. You can keep the water for that next cuppa warm, have it ready for when you get home in the evening by smart scheduling and even help save time and energy consumption. It’s not just great for the home, either. Give yourself a few more minutes working at your desk and simply switch on the kettle with your app or make sure the kettles boiled before that big meeting.

The kettle can be used by multiple people who have the app on their phones and can be connected anywhere there is a Wi-Fi, 3 or 4G connection.

See the Appkettle video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MPj_eBbv5U

How did it happen?
The idea for the smart kettle came while Robert and Richard were sitting at home with the family watching the TV. They knew this brain wave was a good one and had a lot of potential but needed some help getting the project off the ground. Innovate was able to help Robert and Richard develop their model for the AppKettle and create CAD visualisation boards they could present to potential investors.

During 2012, the Hills applied for patent while the model was still in its development stage which enabled them to work relatively safely on their intellectual property and not worry about anyone stealing their idea.

That step from idea and product design to getting your innovation produced on a grand scale is the one that often stalls many inventors. While it was a difficult path for Robert and Richard Hill, they persevered and their product finally caught the eye of Otter Controls Ltd and other backers who were willing to support them. Development of the final product came with the help of Sagentia who helped the Hills to move from concept to prototype.

The Importance of Crowdfunding
Another big issue for innovators is raising that all-important capital, particularly for the initial stages of development. The good news is that platforms such as Kickstarter allow you to get the public involved in helping you find the right amount of funds. Robert and Richard were able to do this and support themselves through the development and testing stages.

The Final Product
The kettle is now on the market and you can see from the website the amount of work that has gone into creating this product. It not only looks great but has exceptional functionality.
You can’t reach this endpoint without finding the right support. We are proud that we were able to guide Robert and Richard through the important process of product development and patent application. A lot was, of course, down to their brilliant idea and their unstinting determination to realise all that potential. They knew where to look, however, when they needed that first advice and guidance and at Innovatie we were happy to help.

One final thought from Robert Hill might help you if you have an idea that you want to get off the ground:

“Remember that developing your idea to reality takes an incredible will to succeed, a belief in yourself that is unquestionable, and the notion that you know what you are doing is indeed worth it. It is most definitely ‘possible’ no matter what happens.”

Developing a product and getting it to market can be a long and difficult process, especially if you don’t have the right support in place. At Innovate we pride ourselves in helping inventors turn their brilliant ideas into reality. Our relationship with the App Kettle is an example of how we can provide the kind of support that developers, start-ups and budding entrepreneurs need to succeed. To kick-start your project request a Free Info Pack.