Boom in Internet of Things devices draws more hardware start-ups to Hong Kong as connected gadgets take off

A smart device for air conditioners to help keep pets cool in Hong Kong’s sweltering summer, a wearable metronome and a gadget that bestows on its wearer a personalised sound are among the increasingly colourful catalogue of products being rolled out by local hardware start-ups.

A global boom in connected gadgets has seen a rising number of related hardware start-ups base their operations in Hong Kong to use the city’s laws, financing and logistics as well as its proximity to manufacturers in southern China to get their products onto the market.

One of those firms, Soundbrenner, has developed a wearable metronome to help individual musicians or groups of musicians to stay in rhythm. Founded by two German graduates in mid-2014, Soundbrenner’s staff is split between Hong Kong, Berlin, Montreal and Los Angeles to make the most of what each city can offer.

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Co-founder Florian Simmendinger is based in Hong Kong, where the company has joined IoT accelerator Brinc. Simmendinger said the accelerator’s network has eased the process of getting their product to market.

“We worked with the people who have got things into manufacturing for the past 10 or 20 years,” Simmendinger said.

“One of the advantages here is that you can find really experienced know-how for a reasonable price.”