As Black History Month draws to a close, NextUp by LvlUp Ventures proudly continues its commitment to celebrating innovation through the lens of entrepreneurship. Welcome back to "Founder Stories" – a series dedicated to amplifying the voices and experiences of founders who have made significant contributions to the business world.
In the heart of McKinney, Texas, a young mind is hard at work, dedicated to solving one of society's most pressing issues: preventing the tragic deaths of children left in hot cars. Meet Bishop B. Curry IV, an inventor who, at the age of 11, showcased a vision that transcended his years. Now, at 17, he continues to inspire with his innovative creations.
It all began in 2016 when Bishop learned of a devastating incident in his neighborhood—a baby tragically succumbed to a heatstroke after being left in a sweltering car. Deeply affected by this news, Bishop was determined to take action to prevent such a tragedy from happening again. Thus, the concept of Oasis was born.
Oasis isn't just an ordinary invention—it's a potentially life-saving device designed to detect and mitigate the dangers of hot car incidents involving children. Equipped with a sophisticated fan system, Oasis springs into action when it detects rising temperatures within a vehicle, swiftly cooling both the child and the car itself. Not stopping there, the device sends alerts to parents and authorities if necessary, ensuring swift intervention in critical situations.
With unwavering determination, Bishop embarked on the journey of turning his idea into reality. Armed with a patent secured in April, he has already made significant strides towards bringing Oasis to completion. While initial prototypes were crafted in his own garage, Bishop is now ready to take the next steps towards mass production.
Partnering with Kickr Design, a renowned company specializing in product development, Bishop is poised to elevate Oasis to new heights. However, this journey comes with its challenges, particularly in terms of funding. Each phase of development requires meticulous planning and financial support, making community contributions invaluable.
The impact of Bishop's innovation extends far beyond his years. His ingenuity and compassion serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring us all to take action and make a difference in the world.
Together, we've witnessed the power of innovation, determination, and compassion as Bishop works tirelessly to bring Oasis to life and potentially save countless lives. But our journey doesn't end here.
As we look to the future with optimism and anticipation, I invite you to stay tuned for the next segment of our Founder Stories. There are countless more tales of resilience, ingenuity, and impact waiting to be shared, and I hope you'll continue to follow along on this incredible journey.
As always, we'd like to thank Fidelity Shoobx and Shields Group for sponsoring our Founder Stories.
Thank you for your unwavering support, and here's to many more inspiring Founder Stories to come!
Warm regards,
Jasmine Imanverdi
To learn more about Bishop's journey and contribute to the creation of Oasis, visit his TEDx Talk, linked below!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1XKRpBRZJA&app=desktop