Sky-Pod is an Essex based company that has designed and developed an innovative tent that is suspended above the ground, rather than staked to the ground. Using military grade fabrics and textiles, its unique structure is based on the experience of a Company Director, who designed combat equipment for the British military. The Sky-Pod allows users to interact with the natural environment and its wildlife, reduces the traditional camping footprint, letting the camper to rise above it all and re-engage with the trees to create unique vantage points and experience new vistas. In addition, the gentle floating motion of the Sky-Pod is therapeutic, allowing users to reset their body clocks while sleeping in the trees.
Background
Result
Sky-Pod approached the Essex Innovation Programme for support to develop the product from initial prototype stage through to production manufacture. Innovation and Product Development Mentor John Hawker, worked with the Company to oversee creation of component drawings, source manufacture of prototype and production parts, negotiate production costs, review commercial exploitation strategies, and obtain patent and design registration protection.
Launched in November 2017, the Sky-Pod tent is sold internationally through the Sky-Pod website.
This project was undertaken as part of the Essex Innovation Programme (EIP), funded by Essex County Council. Case Study is published by permission of Essex County Council.
