A 14-year-old CEO talks about coding since age 5, founding two companies, developing an education app on US presidents, delving into AI, machine learning, IoT, and future tech sectors. Embracing failure in education and balancing childhood while pursuing success as a young CEO.
Mike started coding at 5, built an education app at 8, and graduated with a bachelor's in computer science at 12, showcasing his exceptional early achievements and dedication to technology.
Next Era Innovations created interactive learning apps using robotics, like an educational US presidents app, demonstrating Mike's innovative approach to merging technology and education for children.
Reflect Social's Horizon OS simplifies IoT device communication, emphasizing user-friendliness and accessibility, and highlights the potential for home automation and integration of various services.
Deep dives
Introduction and Background
The podcast introduces Mike Whimmer, a 14-year-old CEO of two startups, Next Era Innovations and Reflect Social. Mike started coding at five, built an education app at eight, and graduated with a bachelor's in computer science at 12. The episode provides insights into his unique childhood, entrepreneurial journey, and perspective on challenges and learning.
Development of Next Era Innovations
Under Next Era Innovations, Mike created robotic applications for the Now Robot, including an educational app to help kids learn U.S. presidents. He narrates the challenges and rewards of teaching himself through failures, fostering creativity, and bridging the gap between technology and learning. The app's interactive gameplay engaged students in a fun and memorable way.
Reflect Social and Horizon OS
Reflect Social originated as a project to assist Mike's mother post-surgery and evolved into an integrated IoT system named Horizon OS. The system serves as a translator for IoT devices, standardizing communication and enhancing interaction. Mike's focus on simplicity and user-friendliness delayed the launch to ensure accessibility and fun factor for a broad audience, particularly engaging the younger generation in technology and IoT experiences.
Automation and Connectivity of IoT Devices
Reflect Social is presented as a tool that enables users to easily automate tasks using IoT devices like smart plugs and lights. An example is given where outdoor lights are controlled to turn on and off based on sunrise and sunset times, enhancing convenience and efficiency. The podcast highlights the potential for Reflect Social to connect various services like wind speed monitoring with IoT devices, showcasing the versatility of home automation innovations.
Embracing AI and Robotics for Human Augmentation
The discussion shifts towards the future role of AI and robotics in enhancing human capabilities rather than replacing them. The host emphasizes the importance of transparency in AI systems to ensure understanding and trust. Reflecting on the potential of AI in simplifying repetitive or hazardous tasks, the conversation delves into the need for clear regulations and certifications for advanced AI and robotics applications to ensure safe and ethical integration into daily life.
Our guest today is Mike Wimmer, an incredible 14 year old kid who is already the CEO of two companies: Next Era Innovation and Reflect Social.
In our conversation, we first talk about Mike’s childhood from starting to code at only 5 years old to his experience at school.
We then discuss his first company, Next Era Innovation, which he founded at 7. Mike shares a few projects that he worked on including an education app connected to a physical robot to help children interactively learn about the US presidents. We also dig into AI, machine learning and deep learning and share our thoughts on how to get started and where the field is heading.
Mike finally talks about the internet of things (IoT) and his second company Reflect Social which develops a software to easily interact with IoT devices.
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