Technology start-up sees strong funding interest

A Hong Kong technology start-up company attracted US$50,000 in funding from hundreds of online donors in just 24 hours.

Ambi Labs' bid to produce an energy-saving device for air conditioners has won more than 500 internet backers.

Julian Lee, the company's chief executive and co-founder, said he was overwhelmed by the response on Kickstarter, a global crowdfunding platform, last Tuesday, and the company was on track to secure US$100,000 in funding. The firm plans to sell the device for about US$200.

"We're using the Kickstarter platform to raise awareness and get more of our beta [testing] units out to a wider audience," Lee said.

The company said its tests showed air-conditioner electricity-consumption savings of up to 30 per cent per household, and estimated it can slash energy bills by up to HK$200 a month in hot summer months when air conditioners were in high demand.

The device works with an infrared remote control, and can also be controlled remotely by a smartphone app.