Manoj Sinha of LapKeyBoard
Meet Manoj Sinha, founder of
LapKeyBoard, an ergonomic keyboard.
What is LapKeyBoard?
LapKeyBoard is specially designed to allow users to type/enter data ergonomically, from the position in which each person is most comfortable. This reduces fatigue on the back, neck, wrist and palm. In addition, LapKeyBoard offers an alternative to using a laptop directly on the user’s lap. This avoids the weight, heat, and electromagnetic fields associated with laptops.
Why did you start your business?
My work in medical research made me aware of the significant health effects caused by using both laptop and desktop computers. These have grown rapidly worldwide, as people have increased computer use in all facets of their lives – office, home, even while commuting and traveling. The problems include spinal neuralgia (serious back and neck injury), carpal tunnel syndrome, male infertility, and significant burning on the skin of women’s upper legs.
How did you come up with the idea?
While researching, I observed injuries and lost work days experienced by my office co-workers. This caused me to think about methods to improve the health, convenience and comfort of computer users in the 21
st Century. I experimented with various methods to improve the ways in which users interact with their keyboards. Ultimately, I refined these ideas to invent a new product category – the Ergonomic Keyboard Platform.
What resources or organizations in Ohio did you take advantage of, and how did they help?
Ohio gives excellent support to entrepreneurs. We received grants from Tech Sprout, through Braintree in Mansfield. Braintree pointed us in the right direction by keeping our focus on a practical and realistic proposition. Another valuable local resource was the inc@8000 incubator in New Albany.
What are some of the advantages to doing business in Ohio?
Braintree provided an excellent support system to helping us launch our first prototype. Ohio also has world-class key manufacturing industries, easy access to markets, and is friendly to early startups.
What was the biggest surprise in starting your business?
I learned that we must be flexible and know the market, and things will continue to change as the company grows.
Where did you find your first employee?
In looking for people to help me develop the prototype, I met Charles Cartwright, professor in the School of Architecture at Ohio State University, who assisted in developing the design. Neil Collins, President of Results Marketing, LLC, helped put the company structure together. We are in the process of hiring at least one other employee.
What inspires you?
I am inspired to find solutions to current health problems, by developing new products for user convenience.
What companies or founders do you admire and why?
The game changers: Bill Gates and Steve Jobs started with ideas that become widely successful. I admire anyone who is willing to work hard on an idea in which they strongly believe, to take those risks to introduce new ideas that truly improve the way people deal with significant problems.
What’s next for you and your company?
First, to launch the ergonomic computer to the market and to establish our brand. Next, to develop new products for people who are physically challenged.
Writer: Catherine Podojil