Next big thing outta NJ? 7 great (and wild) inventions on Kickstarter
How many times do you look at a new gadget and say "Wish I thought of that!?" Here in New Jersey, we pride ourselves on resourcefulness and knowing the best way to do anything (starting with pizza, finding shortcuts and trash talk).
And thanks to the crowdsourcing movement, there's a whole crop of Jersey innovators, looking to make their ideas a reality on Kickstarter. Here's the 7 best:
https://ksr-video.imgix.net/projects/2409392/video-653931-h264_high.mp4
Let's start on a high note: This game has raised nearly 5 times its goal! You can bet the game makers out of Collingswood will be churning out these sets soon.
The Kickstarter project officially closes this weekend.
This Montclair pitch-woman offers backers a chance to "Be bold, brave and protected. A fashionable holder for your pepper spray." She wanted to do something about the familiar struggle for anyone who wants to stay safe, without looking paranoid.
There's a long way to go before the project ends on Kickstarter on April 26.
https://ksr-video.imgix.net/projects/2128120/video-650819-h264_high.mp4
The concept apparently was created as a birthday present, and has since flourished in a Princeton workshop. As the pitch goes, "Playful name, Serious tool. Crafted by hand of honest materials: steel, wood, brass & copper."
Depending on backing amounts, there are upgraded materials and logo options available. Of course, that hinges on whether the Wort-Hog will reach its Kickstarter funding goal by May 5.
https://ksr-video.imgix.net/projects/2398905/video-652405-h264_high.mp4
Sean Hughes wants to create a children's book to "help spread the love of the horror genre," and there's dozens of backers who share that vision.
The Trenton-based artist is nearly 75-percent of the way to reaching his funding goal. It closes on Kickstarter in May.
https://ksr-video.imgix.net/projects/2367958/video-652219-h264_high.mp4
We've all had a key fumble moment- it was a rainy day with a real estate agent that inspired this mother/son team out of Westfield. Their pitch is for anyone who wrangles multiple keys- like realtors and property managers.
It's definitely a secure-looking design. There's still lots of ground to cover before the project closes on Kickstarter in two weeks.
https://ksr-video.imgix.net/projects/1800971/video-654728-h264_high.mp4
What started as a family "Whale tale" for a toddler has aspirations of being shared on a wider scale. The Newark based author says the lesson that's beautifully illustrated is about acting to make the world a better place, and that all species are important.
The hardcover book would come with a 32 page activity book, as long as it's fully funded on Kickstarter by mid-May.
The game company run from a Sparta home already has turned out two successful card games using Kickstarter. This third deck promises to "simulate martial combat in a most ingenious manner!" With just over a week left, it's more than 90-percent funded.
Some of the Kickstarter projects need more love than others at this point to succeed. Imagine what more Thomas Edison could have done in New Jersey, with some crowd-sourcing at the proper time?!
Proud Jersey Girl Erin Vogt’s first reporting gig involved her Fisher Price tape recorder. As a wife and momma of two kiddies, she firmly believes that life’s too short to drink bad coffee. A fan of the beach, Dave Grohl and karma, in no particular order. Follow her on Facebook and on Twitter as @ProudJersey.
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