Kiwi Kids to Benefit From World-First Sun Safety Initiative

Media release

29th October 2014

Kiwi Kids Set to Benefit From World-First Sun Safety Initiative

• 100 early childcare centres will be first to use Kiwi-invented UV sensor technology

• Real-time, hands-on innovation expected to impact wider communities

• Initiative created to shape behaviour of the next generation of tech-savvy Kiwi kids

The most active, yet vulnerable, members of New Zealand society – those aged five years and under will benefit from Kiwi innovation in a world-first sun safe technology initiative launched today.

Award-winning Kiwi innovation company Spark 64 and leading global suncare brand Banana Boat have teamed up to install UVLens, a New Zealand-made UV sensor technology, in 100 early childcare centres around the country.

Research grade scientific sensors, risk factors on cloudy days, alerts for reapplication, skin-type analysis questionnaire, and sun smart tips will be at the fingertips of thousands of pupils and teachers, all in real-time and deployed directly to smartphones and tablets complete with interactive education tools.

Daniel Xu, UVLens inventor said that the innovation behind the sensor is about much more than simply measuring UV levels.

“According to the Melanoma Foundation six Kiwis are diagnosed with melanoma every day and sunburn in childhood can contribute towards the cumulative effect of sun exposure over a lifetime – this is a real problem for our next generation,” said Mr Xu. “Our goal is not just to measure UV levels and deliver information but to truly reinforce sun smart habits and education in communities using the latest innovative solutions that are easy to use and compatible with everyday devices.”

The 100 early childhood centres, selected to represent the population base throughout the country, will receive extensive information, support and sunscreen products both from Banana Boat and UVLens, and can participate at no cost. Following the duration of the initiative each early childhood centre is encouraged to keep and use the UVLens technology.

Early Childhood Council CEO Peter Reynolds said “this initiative will undoubtedly be useful to not just pupils and teachers, but also to parents, families and the wider community.”

Co-funding supporter Banana Boat takes an active stand on creating sun safe communities and is getting behind the UVLens introduction, based on the international excellence of Spark 64 and shared passion to educate and enable Kiwis to have fun in the sun safely.

“Banana Boat is serious about protecting New Zealanders in all seven conditions (ocean, pool, sweat, sand, wind, sun, heat) so they can enjoy the sun safely,” says Marketing Manager Andre de Beer. “Having been awarded the Microsoft Imagine Cup and with more than a year of research and development, Spark 64 is an impressive Kiwi company on their way to the top of their field – it was an easy decision to collaborate with them on this important initiative.”

UVLens products are readily available for purchase during and following the initiative at www.uvlens.com. The Banana Boat range of suncare products can be found in all leading supermarkets and variety stores nationwide.

ENDS

About Spark Sixty Four

Spark Sixty Four Ltd commenced operations in early 2013 to develop sensor and software solutions that helps solve real world challenges. Located in Auckland, New Zealand the company was co-founded by engineering graduates along with a technology commercialisation specialist. Combined they possess a wealth of knowledge and experience in Sensor Development, App Design, Cloud Software and electronics.

The company has released its first product – UVLens, a sensor and software combination designed to improve sun safety behaviour and outcomes for children.

For more information visit www.spark64.com or email enquiries@spark64.com.

About Banana Boat

Energizer Holdings is an American manufacturer of batteries and personal care products and are well-known for their brands, Energizer and Eveready batteries, Schick, and Banana Boat sunscreen.

Banana Boat develop innovative sunscreen options to suit each individual’s skin care needs and are passionate about educating New Zealanders on how and when to apply these sunscreens. The Banana Boat range includes a total of 15 products to suit every occasion and the whole family with Every Day, Kids, Sport, Baby and special performance sunscreens, as well as multiple application formats to keep sunscreen application easy.

Banana Boat SPF50+ products are tested and proven to stay on in seven conditions (ocean, pool, sweat, sand, wind, sun & heat); durable products designed to protect families from sunburn and long-term skin damage.

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