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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 30, 2020, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA — Thinker-Tinker, Tangible Tech Products for Young Creative Minds was selected as a finalist for the 23rd annual SXSW Innovation Awards, taking place Monday, March 16 at 6:00 pm CT at the Austin Convention Center (Ballroom D) during the South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conference and Festivals (March 13-22, 2020).
Thinker-Tinker is a finalist under the Robotics & Hardware category for Octobo: An Educational, Interactive Smart Plush. The SXSW Innovation Awards recognize and celebrate the most exciting tech developments in the connected world.
In advance of the Awards Ceremony, finalists will have the opportunity to exhibit their work at the Innovation Awards Finalist Showcase on Saturday, March 14, 12 pm-6 pm CT, at the Austin Convention Center (Exhibit Hall 1). The Finalist Showcase offers SXSW Interactive, Music, Film, and Platinum badge holders a first look at the most exciting tech developments, including achievements in AI and machine learning, health technology, robotics and hardware, wearable tech, and virtual and augmented reality, plus a chance to place their votes for the People’s Choice Award. Registered media and official Finalist Judges will have exclusive access to the Showcase and finalist demos that morning, 11 am-12 pm CT.
Of hundreds of applications submitted, Octobo was one of 65 finalists selected across 13 categories by a panel of judges comprised of industry peers and experts. Each entry was graded on four criteria: creativity, form, function and overall experience. The Finalist Showcase provides an in-person experience for the judges to complete their second round of voting to determine the winner of all 13 categories. Categories include: AI & Machine Learning, Climate, Culture, & Social Impact, Health, Med, & BioTech, Innovation in Connecting People, Music & Audio Innovation, New Economy, Robotics & Hardware, Smart Cities, Transportation, & Logistics, Speculative Design, Student Innovation, Visual Media Experience, Wearable Tech, and XR.
The winners in each of the 13 categories, plus additional honors (Best of Show, People’s Choice, the David Carr Prize, and the SXSW Hall of Fame) will be awarded at the 23rd annual SXSW Innovation Awards presented by Sprinklr on Monday, March 16, 2020.
Robots don’t need to be hard and shiny! Octobo is a smart, cuddly plush seamlessly stuffed with our unique soft sensors (that can sense different triggers from players) and connects to players mobile devices via Bluetooth. We have created a new experience that brings warmth, feeling, and emotion to hardware devices.
“SXSW is thrilled to honor this year’s most innovative projects and give each finalist the opportunity to showcase their inventions to all SXSW attendees through interactive demos at the Finalist Showcase,” said Hugh Forrest, Chief Programming Officer.
For more information about the SXSW Innovation Awards and to view the complete list of 2020 finalists, visit www.sxsw.com/news/2020/innovation-awards-finalists-announced-for-sxsw-2020/.
About Thinker-Tinker
Thinker-Tinker creates cross-media play platforms that bring tactile stimulation to digital experiences changing the ways kids and families interact with technology.
About SXSW
SXSW dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries. An essential destination for global professionals, the event features sessions, showcases, screenings, exhibitions, and a variety of networking opportunities. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together. SXSW 2020 will take place March 13-22, 2020. For more information, please visit sxsw.com. To register for the event, please visit sxsw.com/attend.
SXSW 2020 is sponsored by White Claw, American Express and The Austin Chronicle.
Press Contact
Jourdan Johnson
Brooke Bauguess
Violet Kai Inc. 310-863-0278
brooke@violetkaipr.com
