Business
Riverside Start-up Launches First Product on Kickstarter
Burble Creativity, Inc. Develops AvA, A Learning Tent that Sparks Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills
By Press Release — August 19, 2019 — An invention to revolutionize storytelling is coming from the Riverside-based start-up company, Burble Creativity, Inc. (Burble). Behind the scenes at the Burble lab, based at Bourns Inc. in Riverside, is a team of tech gurus, engineers, audio experts, and visual directors working tirelessly on the company’s first product known as AvA. The storytelling tent uses light and sound to encourage the reader’s imagination to take over. AvA is a prototype currently in beta testing that launched on Kickstarter, a crowd-funding platform that garners support and funding for creative projects, on August 14.
Burble CEO Taylor Cole
Burble CEO Taylor Cole is a Riverside native, and chief technology officer at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Corona Division. In between juggling family, his career and a start-up company, he is also a board member for Riverside’s engineering colleges at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) and California Baptist University (CBU).
We took some time to catch up with Cole to find out more about the local start-up that has the potential to make big waves in the tech and education worlds.
What does it mean to you to be an entrepreneur in the Inland Empire? I grew up here and received my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UCR in engineering. All that I know about the tech and engineering world happened right here in my own backyard. This region was founded by hard-working business men and women, and today is a flourishing scene for start-ups like Burble. I owe a lot to my community and team of creatives to now be in that realm as an entrepreneur, because they helped bring my ideas to life.
What is AvA? AvA is a children’s camping tent that’s been decked out with lights and sound to create a multi-sensory experience that encourages imagination and problem-solving skills. AvA is used in tandem with a mobile app, which contains a library of stories that teach important life lessons like patience, humility and courage. Descriptive details are intentionally left out of the stories, so the user’s imagination can take hold as they experience a mix of lights and sounds. These effects open the user up to Burble’s provisionally patented technology called minimally defined immersion (MDI) – leaving the user room to envision their own characters, plot twists and more. The purpose of AvA is to revolutionize storytelling, provide therapy options, encourage creativity and build problem-solving skills all while creating fun, meaningful ways for parents and children to connect
When will AvA launch? Currently, we have 10 AvA prototypes being produced at the Burble lab. Upon completion, six of the prototypes will be distributed for efficacy testing, while the remainder will stay at the lab for continued content development and demo purposes. On August 14, 2019, Burble launched AvA on Kickstarter. With Kickstarter, Burble aims to establish relationships with passionate investors who can help enhance the AvA product aesthetic, manufacturing quality, and efficacy research. Once we get AvA ready for consumer use, our goal is to bring this into homes and classrooms across the nation.
What is minimally defined immersion (MDI)? Minimally defined immersion (MDI) is a concept that uses an enclosed space, like the AvA tent, and incorporates theatrical elements like lights and sound with storytelling to produce an experience that encourages imagination and engagement. Like virtual reality and augmented reality, Burble’s MDI uses technology, environmental manipulation and sensory stimulation, however, it does not cause a separation between the user and the real world. In fact, it helps the user be ever-present.
Who does AvA benefit? AvA is intended for children, parents and educators. Additionally, AvA has the potential to help children with developmental disabilities such as autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and auditory processing disorders, to name a few. I too, live with audio processing disorder, and have a difficult time understanding and interpreting speech, so AvA is very special to me.
How was AvA first created? Any entrepreneur knows how crafty you have to get building out the first prototypes to bring an awesome idea to life. Funny enough, my daughter Tessa and I actually built the first AvA prototype using PVC pipe in the parking lot of Home Depot, laughing and dancing to the band Aerosmith. This prototype eventually took a library tour across Riverside. Looking back, we’ve come a long way with AvA, working through multiple prototypes, troubleshooting what works and what doesn’t. Today, Burble is a team of passionate engineers, researchers, writers and creatives, who make the magic of AvA happen.
What are some lessons learned as a start-up entrepreneur in the Inland Empire? I’ve learned the value of community support. Our team does everything in its power to become successful, but ultimately the backing from our family, friends, neighbors, and fellow businesses makes the biggest difference.
How has Bourns, Inc. helped? Specifically, the Bourns Technology Center has provided Burble with a home. The facility offers incubator space to a number of local start-ups and manufacturing companies. Their Riverside location keeps us all tied to the community so that we don’t have to commute and can foster our creative thoughts and inventions here locally.
For more information on Burble visit burblecreativity.com or follow them on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @BurbleCreativity. Remember to support this local start-up and AvA on Kickstarter at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ava-the-story-tent/ava-the-immersive-storytent?ref=nav_search&result=project&term=burble%20creativity
Business
Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce to Lead California Delegation at GITEX GLOBAL 2023 in Dubai
Fostering Technological Synergy: Bridging the Tech Gap with Global Partners
Demonstrating the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce’s (IERCC) commitment to global tech collaboration and innovation, the organization will lead a California delegation to the world-renowned GITEX GLOBAL event in Dubai from October 16-20, 2023. Though the original invitation extended to IERCC’s President & CEO, Mr. Edward Ornelas, Jr., he will not be in attendance. Instead, the California delegation will be spearheaded by the Chamber’s newly-appointed CTO, Mr. Gabriel Rangel.
Organized by the Dubai World Trade Centre, GITEX GLOBAL 2023 promises to be grander than ever. The event is set to host over 6,000 exhibiting companies and startups, drawing more than 170,000 tech and business executives from over 170 countries. The mega-event will sprawl across 41 vast halls and, for the first time ever, will be held at two prominent venues – the iconic Dubai World Trade Centre and the new Dubai Harbour for Expand North Star, making it the host for the world’s largest startup event.
Mr. Edward Ornelas, Jr. commented, “While I regret not attending GITEX personally, I am proud to have Mr. Rangel at the helm of this effort. I’m confident that our delegation will foster new collaborations and present the Golden State as a tech powerhouse.”
This year’s conference adopts the compelling theme of “The Year to Imagine AI in Everything”. Attendees are poised to witness the grandest showcase of AI tech giants and industry frontrunners. Additionally, it promises to kindle profound dialogues and debates concerning the socio-economic implications of burgeoning AI technology.
“Leading the California delegation at GITEX offers us an unmatched platform to nurture and solidify relationships with global tech partners,” said Mr. Gabriel Rangel, CTO of IERCC. “As the technology landscape continues to evolve, it’s critical for us to be a part of these international collaborations. I’m honored to spearhead this mission on behalf of the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce.”
An integral part of the California delegation, Mr. Ram Thanapandian, Principal Technology Consultant to the State of California and Chair of CA State Treasurer Fiona Ma’s Technical Advisory Commission, will be present, providing invaluable insights and representing the State of California Treasurer’s Office.
IERCC’s leadership in organizing this delegation underscores the crucial role that California plays in the global tech ecosystem and mirrors Dubai’s ambitious vision as encapsulated in the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). This strategy aims to substantially expand Dubai’s economic landscape in the upcoming decade, securing its stature among the world’s leading global cities.
Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of the Dubai World Trade Centre and CEO of KAOUN International, remarked on the invaluable contributions the California delegation will bring to the event. She looks forward to an event marked by knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and pioneering discussions.
For additional information on GITEX GLOBAL 2023, please refer to: GITEX 2023 Preview.
Coming October 5th
Economic Horizon 2024: What Lies Ahead?
The Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Beacon Economics and the County of San Bernardino, is thrilled to announce that the anticipated economic forecast conference, Economic Horizon 2024: What Lies Ahead, Inland Empire? will be held October 5th from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the El Prado Golf Courses in the vibrant city of Chino, California.
Esteemed economist, Dr. Christopher Thornberg will present complete outlooks for the U.S., California, and Inland Empire economies. “The Inland Empire stands at the crossroads of remarkable economic opportunities and challenges,” said Thornberg. “I’m excited to unpack the trends and shifts that will define the region’s economic landscape in the next year, and beyond.”
Known for his razor-sharp observations, and fun, energized delivery, Thornberg’s presentation will include pointed discussions about inflation, the Fed’s next move, housing markets, strengths and instabilities in the economy, and what current trends mean for the nation, state, and local region.
The conference will also be graced by the insights of California State Treasurer Fiona Ma as keynote speaker. In her words, “The strength of California’s economy is deeply interwoven with the growth trajectories of its regions. The Inland Empire, with its dynamism and resilience, is a testament to this synergy. I am honored to join ‘Economic Horizon 2024’ and share a vision where policies, partnerships, and potentials converge to elevate the Inland Empire to unprecedented economic heights.”
“This conference is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the Inland Empire and our commitment to fostering a robust, resilient economy,” said Edward Ornelas, Jr., President of the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Our partnership with Beacon Economics and the County of San Bernardino aims to offer a platform for profound economic discussion, forecasting, and strategic future planning.”
Attendees can anticipate not only expert insights into the economy but also networking opportunities and a chance to connect with key business, government, and nonprofit leaders from across the region.
Full event details are available at: economy.iechamber.org
Bizz Buzz
Webb Investments acquires Silver Creek Industries, an industry leader in modular construction for schools
Webb Investments today announced the launch of a new company, Silver Creek Modular, after acquiring the assets of Silver Creek Industries, a highly respected modular construction company known for bringing innovative, sustainable and cost-effective solutions to the education industry.
Silver Creek Industries’ existing business, including its employees and its Perris, Calif., manufacturing facility, will remain with the new company, with Webb providing the investment capital, resources and expertise to enhance Silver Creek’s presence in the modular construction marketplace.
The acquisition closed in June of 2023, following Silver Creek Industries’ Chapter 11 filing in the Central Bankruptcy Court of California.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring Silver Creek into our family business, and look forward to building on our shared commitment to improving educational opportunities within communities across our region,” said Kiana Webb, CEO of Webb Family Enterprises. “This acquisition aligns with our strategy to invest in established firms that can help us drive community revitalization and inclusive growth, while improving quality of life and increasing economic output.”
Silver Creek Industries was founded in 2004 and has completed more than 1,000 projects in the education, commercial, medical, military, government and multi-family housing markets. More recently, the company’s focus has been on providing high-quality, sustainable modular buildings for schools and educational institutions. Silver Creek Industries is well known for delivering projects on time and on budget, with minimal disruption to school and the community.
Webb Investments is a privately held, family-owned company focusing on creating a community development ecosystem that drives inclusive, organic growth and transforms the areas they serve.
For more information on Webb Investments, please visit webbinvestments.com.
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