What is the name of your organization?
Ratta (US) Inc
What is the name of your solution?
Supernote Manta & Nomad
Provide a one-line summary or tagline for your solution.
Sustainable E Ink tablets for paperless workflows, reducing e-waste through modular design and longevity.
In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
Spokane, WA
In what country is your solution team headquartered?
USA
What type of organization is your solution team?
For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models
Film your elevator pitch.
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What specific problem are you solving?
We are addressing the escalating problem of electronic waste (e-waste) and the unsustainable lifecycle of consumer electronics, specifically within the context of personal productivity devices. Globally, e-waste is the fastest-growing solid waste stream, projected to reach over 74 million metric tons annually by 2030 (WEEE Forum). This waste contains hazardous materials, pollutes environments, and contributes significantly to carbon emissions through resource extraction, manufacturing, and disposal.
Our focus is on the lifecycle of tablets and similar devices used for work and personal organization. These devices often become obsolete or unusable due to a single failing component (e.g., battery, motherboard), forcing users to discard the entire device. This contributes to the millions of tons of e-waste generated annually, affecting communities globally through environmental contamination and resource depletion.
Supernote Manta & Nomad tackle this problem by offering modularity and a design philosophy focused on longevity. By enabling users to easily repair and upgrade individual components, we aim to significantly extend the lifespan of our devices, directly reducing the volume of e-waste generated by this product category. This contrasts with the prevailing industry trend of tightly integrated devices that are difficult and costly to repair, contributing to premature obsolescence and the growing e-waste crisis.
What is your solution?
Our solution is the Supernote Manta and Nomad, a line of premium E Ink digital writing tablets. These devices function as versatile tools for note-taking, reading, annotating documents, and managing tasks, offering a distraction-free, paper-like experience.
The core innovation lies in their modular design. Key components such as the battery, motherboard, and enclosure are designed to be easily replaceable or upgradable by the user. This extends the lifespan of the device significantly, as a failure in one component doesn't necessitate replacing the entire tablet. We provide clear instructions and accessible replacement parts.
Technologically, the devices feature high-resolution E Ink displays for comfortable reading and writing, precise Wacom stylus technology for a natural pen-on-paper feel, and a custom-developed software interface optimized for handwriting-focused productivity. While the internal electronics are sophisticated, the focus of our solution is on the physical architecture that enables user-friendly repairability and upgrades, directly addressing the e-waste issue prevalent in the consumer electronics industry.
Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
Our solution primarily serves professionals, academics, students, creative individuals, and knowledge workers who value focused work, sustainable practices, and long-lasting technology. These individuals often rely on paper or multiple digital devices for their daily tasks, contributing to paper waste and the cycle of frequent electronic upgrades. They are often underserved by consumer electronics that prioritize planned obsolescence and difficult repairability.
Supernote Manta & Nomad offer them a paperless workflow with a natural writing experience, reducing paper consumption. The modular design empowers them with greater control over their technology, extending the lifespan of their investment and reducing the environmental impact of their digital tools. This translates to cost savings over time, reduced e-waste contribution, and the satisfaction of owning a device designed for longevity and repairability, aligning with their values of sustainability and mindful consumption. Ultimately, it provides a more sustainable and empowering relationship with their technology, fostering both productivity and creativity.