ODI-MC (O’Dwyer Innovations – Modular Computers) is a subsidiary of O’Dwyer Innovations and was incorporated in March 2010. It has the purpose of creating a next-generation Modular Computer platform that will allow end-users to easily construct and upgrade computing and home entertainment devices using stackable modules.
IPitch: What problem is your business trying to solve?
ODI-MC: When people upgrade PC’s they tend to throw the whole ‘box’ out and get a new one. “I need a faster processor” often results in an entire PC ‘box’ in the bin.
ODI-MC aims to reduce unnecessary electronics redundancy and hence e-waste as well as provide a more efficient solution to the average persons electronics needs by creating one platform for use as a home entertainment, home office, office and portable electronics solution – including a phone, tablet, netbook - and wherein the tablet is part of the netbook (see below). ODI-MC achieves this by taking all the components inside of a conventional PC ‘box’ and making each component a module of its own. Modules are then vertically stacked to form an ODI Modular Computer.
ODI-MC aims to deliver the next evolution of the ‘Personal Computer’ architecture and in doing so, merging the PC and consumer electronics industry by providing the first true ‘living room computer.’
IPitch: Who are the founders and what are their backgrounds?
ODI-MC:
Sean O’Dwyer – Managing Director
After graduating from the ANU with Bachelor of Laws, in 2002, Sean was employed by Metal Storm Limited, the company his father (Mike O’Dwyer) created and floated on the Australian Stock Exchange and NASDAQ.
Throughout his time with Metal Storm, Sean invented the technology for and co-wrote a winning SBIR application for the US Missile Defence Agency, took over managing the company’s intellectual property portfolio where he invented the second generation of Metal Storms core technology, and worked with DARPA (USA), Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, General Dynamics and many more before leaving the company in 2007 to pursue his own interests.
In 2008, Sean started O’Dwyer Innovations (ODI) and now heads the operation at the ODI’s office in Alexandria where the core focus is on producing the Company’s patented Modular Computer technology.
Philip Cadell – Chief Technology Officer
Graduating from university and with previous work experience, Phil joined Metal Storm in 2006, where he began bringing the technical side of the company’s intellectual property in-house from its previously subcontracted base. After leaving Metal Storm in mid-2009 Phil began a Research Masters in the area of Robotic Communication Systems which was put on hold when the opportunity to head the technological development of the ODI Modular Computer platform presented itself.
Ben Bishop – Senior Mechanical Engineer
After graduating from university, Ben had a 3 year stint with Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), then took up a position at Metal Storm Ltd as Senior Design and Ballistics Engineer. Leaving Metal Storm in mid-2009 Ben later joined ODI-MC and now works as Head of ODI’s Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design team.
IPitch: How much traction do you have in the market?
We believe we have a lot of traction in the market. This is for two reasons:
- Everywhere we turn, everyone loves our tech and we have found immediate support from anyone we have asked. This includes the likes of LX Innovations, Intel, Pixel Qi as well as a number of our component suppliers.
Everyone seems to also very much like the idea that their computer will always be synchronized. To the user, the phone, tablet, netbook, PC etc will appear to be THE SAME COMPUTER because they are in constant synchronization - ODI-MC takes a big step towards making the PC and consumer electronics industries ‘more green.’ ODI-MC provides a solution that reduces e-waste, extends the lifetime of components and requires less energy in-use due to its novel resource sharing.
IPitch: What’s the end goal / exit strategy for your business?
ODI-MC: Either to IPO and go into production or acquisition by/merger with a Company who already has production facilities available.
IPitch: Are you looking to raise money?
ODI-MC: Yes. We are currently seeking approximately $400,000 of investment (distributed across 16 $25,000 parcels). At this point we have enough capital to be at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in January, however we are seeking funds to maximise our impact at the CES and to piggy-back off any media exposure at the CES in order to IPO.
IPitch: What does an ideal investor look like to you?
ODI-MC: Incentive is the key here - and yes, an investor is surely incentivized to see the company succeed if they own shares in it. To me however, the ideal investor also believes in the technology and wants to contribute to it (get their hands dirty) as well by becoming involved in its success, for example by using their contacts to arrange meetings with interested parties or suitable manufacturing concerns.
IPitch: Personally, (for the directors or employees) what challenges have you faced in establishing and running a Startup?
ODI-MC: I think the biggest challenge as an entrepreneur is people. An awesome product just isn’t enough – I have seen a number of great ideas fail to reach fruition – you need to gather momentum and have other people believe in what you are doing.
My biggest tactic in business is incentive. People will work a lot harder for their own benefit (for example, if they own shares in the company) rather than working for a salary. Under their own steam people also tend to require less guidance and are generally more innovative and productive.
IPitch: Have the founders had any Startups in the past (either successes or failures)?
ODI-MC: All employees of ODI-MC were previously employees of Metal Storm Ltd. Sean “got the band back together” in order to push the idea forward. Both Phil and Ben believe in the idea to the point where they have both currently moved from Brisbane to work on ODI-MC for no pay; their only incentive - shares in the company. More engineers are soon to join the team under similar incentives. I think this makes quite a statement to potential investors – it shows that certainly the people working for the Company believe it to be of significant value.
IPitch: Is there an opportunity you’re looking for to bring your Startup to the next level?
ODI-MC: ODI-MC and O’Dwyer Innovations are currently working under a joint venture with LX Innovations and also have the privilege of support from Intel. At the moment everything is about getting the prototype to the CES in January, nothing says more about a concept than the prototype - “A prototype is worth 1,000 presentations.” We would however like to engage with games console manufactures, cable TV companies and consumer electronics companies in order to provide modules for the system so that in the future every box that currently sits under your TV can be replaced by an ODI-MC module and share resources to perform the various functions.
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