Fri 14 / 10 / 16
Marc Koska, High Growth Entrepreneur Keynote Speaker at the Brighton Summit
Brighton Summit Keynote Speaker
Marc Koska OBE
Photo by Simon Callaghan Photography
After some lovely tea and cakes (thank you Raise Bakery), we end the day at the Brighton Summit with the keynote speech from Marc Koska.
Marc has not only saved one life but 12 million lives over the last 30 years.
Marc invented the K1 auto-disabling syringe, a revolutionary syringe that cannot be re-used. He realised at the age of 6 that he was here to solve a big problem. He took this "flash of direction" very seriously despite his tender age.
Marc explains the complexities of the story starting with how infection is spread. Using extraordinary photographs from around the world (as well as video illustrating the re-use of needles), stories of families, grandparents, children and everyone in between who through using dirty needles have become infected, Marc highlights the problem before moving on to the solution.
In 1984, Marc lived in the Caribbean making models for film sets. He was empowered by his ability to make something with his hands. At the same time HIV and AIDS hit the news. Mark read an article about syringes - that they would eventually be a part of the spread of infection.
Marc spent the next 3 years studying the problem. This is key. Marc explains that we can apply this to business. We shouldn't get carried away with the solution without fully understanding the problem. He designed the K1 syringe. It took him 17 yrs to get the first one sold.
An incredible story about having a vision, being stubbornly determined, not giving up in spite of the obstacles and fighting for what you believe in. A lesson to us all.
Live blogging by Ellie Dobing - Flaming Nora Media and RadioReverb
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