That sudden illumination of the check engine light can trigger immediate anxiety for any driver. Is it a minor issue, or something serious? Is it safe to keep driving? And the ever-present question: How much will this repair set me back? Fortunately, the Fixd Diagnostic Tool For Cars is engineered to provide quick and clear answers to these pressing questions, putting drivers back in control.
FIXD is an innovative device, the brainchild of a group of resourceful students from the renowned Georgia Institute of Technology. This compact tool plugs directly into your car’s diagnostic port, usually located just beneath the steering wheel. Connecting your vehicle to your smartphone via Bluetooth, the FIXD diagnostic tool for cars translates the cryptic check engine light into plain English. It not only clarifies the issue but also assesses its severity and even gives you estimated repair costs. Beyond immediate problem solving, FIXD acts as a proactive car health monitor, alerting you to upcoming maintenance needs and routine servicing.
John Gattuso, CEO of the company and a mechanical engineering senior at Georgia Tech, explains, “Our aim with the FIXD diagnostic tool for cars is to empower drivers with knowledge about their vehicles.” This user-friendly approach is resonating with consumers, as evidenced by the startup’s successful Kickstarter campaign, which surpassed its $30,000 funding goal. The company is currently engaging with seed round investors to further scale production and reach a wider market.
The FIXD diagnostic tool for cars is becoming increasingly accessible. An Android application was slated for release by November, and an iPhone version was anticipated by March, according to Rachel Ford, a biomedical engineering senior at Georgia Tech, who manages business development and investor relations for the company. Ford highlights the practical learning experience gained through this venture: “Developing the FIXD diagnostic tool for cars has been a departure from our typical engineering coursework. The startup focused classes and programs at Georgia Tech have been instrumental in equipping us with the skills to bring this product to market.”
The journey of the FIXD diagnostic tool for cars began in Startup Lab, a Georgia Tech course designed to guide students in transforming their concepts into viable businesses. Ford, Gattuso, and Kevin Miron, a recent Georgia Tech graduate, initially explored a different concept – a device to aid women in performing self-breast exams. However, after extensive market research, they pivoted to address a more pressing need for drivers: accessible car diagnostics. This adaptability and problem-solving approach led to the creation of the FIXD diagnostic tool for cars.
Their dedication to the FIXD diagnostic tool for cars led the team to forgo summer internships in favor of further developing their product. The team expanded to include Rikin Marfatia, a computer science senior, and participated in Startup Summer, a 12-week Georgia Tech internship providing mentorship, workspace, and seed funding to student-led startups. This initiative, part of a broader Georgia Tech effort to foster student entrepreneurship, underscores the university’s commitment to innovation. Professor Raghupathy Sivakumar emphasizes the supportive environment, noting that students retain full equity in their startups.
Gattuso encourages fellow students with entrepreneurial aspirations, stating, “Many Georgia Tech students have brilliant startup ideas. They just need that initial push and the resources to take the leap and pursue them, just like we did with the FIXD diagnostic tool for cars.” FIXD is proving to be more than just a gadget; it’s a tool that demystifies car maintenance, empowers drivers, and represents the innovative spirit nurtured at Georgia Tech.
