Mips AB acquired 25 percent of the sensor technology company Quintessential Design, Inc. and the Quin brand for a consideration of US$7.3 million.
Mips said in a release that Quin is “an ingredient brand for event detection technology, providing specialized sensor fusion and software to helmet brands since 2018. Quin’s proprietary technology turns passive gear into smart companions capable of detecting safety events, triggering emergency response protocols, and connecting the closest emergency services to those in distress.”
“With this investment, Mips is taking the first strong step into exploring the possibilities of sensor technology in helmets,” Mips CEO Max Strandwitz said. “We are convinced that Quin’s proprietary smart technology has many possibilities, and they work with the same consumer-centric approach to help save lives that has always been at the center of our work at Mips. We look forward to a meaningful, synergistic collaboration and are happy to bring our competence to support Quin on their exciting journey forward.”
Mips said it “recognizes Quin’s strength in intelligent technology, its mission to deliver safety to riders and its approach to put the consumer first and sees great opportunity for growth and further innovation with a shared customer base. The investment in Quin is an important step in meeting Mips’ vision, mission and strategy through enhanced data collection regarding incidents via high-precision sensor technology and related machine learning algorithms.”
“Quin is excited to partner with Mips, a true pioneer in the helmet industry,” commented Anirudha Surabhi, CEO of Quin. “We value the difference Mips makes to the world of safety. Our shared vision and commitment to data-driven safety solutions make this collaboration a perfect combination to drive new innovations in this field. Quin is constantly innovating to make our sensor capabilities even smarter with new technologies. Mips is strengthening our mission, and we’re ready to embrace this new chapter to make safety smarter, better, and more accessible for all.”
The company said the investment in Quin marks a strategic move for Mips to explore the potential of sensor technology. Mips noted it “is built on a scientific foundation and is constantly looking for new ways to gather data related to helmet safety.”
Photo courtesy Quintessential Design, Inc.