Pip says Hello World

by Startacus Admin
In a world that revolves around computers as much as the sun, interest in coding is not what it could be.
People - particularly children - want to play the games made by coding, use the phones that programming makes possible, and try to get around the programming that stops Siri swearing; they’re less interested in actually learning the if() statements and the...you know, the other ones that we totally know. Lines upon lines of code are not as intriguing to most people as the use of the finished technological product - especially in a world increasingly expectant of instant gratification - so we have to come up with new ways to introduce the progenitors of the AI apocalypse to coding. That, you may not be surprised to learn, is where our featured startup comes in.
Glasgow-based Curious Chip decided that programming on standard computers was too complex and perhaps intimidating, and so the way to appeal to younger programmers-to-be was to create their own software to run on their own hardware. Over the course of a year, development progressed their handheld device, Pip, towards a version ready to launch a Kickstarter campaign. Powered by Raspberry Pi, Pip allows users to start off with drag-and-drop coding before progressing to real coding and creating their own stuff.
Pip encourages the coding and alteration of games as well as allowing retro games, like Sonic, to be played on the device. Users can learn a variety of programming languages via fun tutorials and step-by-step instructions. Users can make all sorts of applications and games, and then when it’s done, Pip can be used as a desktop computer to upload your work to Curious Chip’s ‘Spaceport’, where others can see it and try it out, and to browse Wikipedia for that all-important copy-paste-alter for homework.
Within only 30 days, Curious Chip surpassed their Kickstarter goal of £30,000 and ended the fundraising period with £40,031.
It’s clear that there is a lot of interest in encouraging the next generation to bring our new overlords into existence, and when shipping of Pip begins in August-September, we’re ready to accept Skynet’s rule.
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
New research from Corporate Coach Group reveals the UK's most ambitious cities and includes top tips on how to make 2021 your best year ever when it comes to achieving your goals

The accolade this week goes to MyPlasticDiary, an innovative app which will enable you to track, understand and reduce your plastic footprint

The innovative Spanish startup raises major funding to scale its team and help more businesses design smarter automated conversations with customers

The lowdown on the Japanese robotics startup that has created Qoboo, a therapeutic robot in the form of a cushion with a tail

The EverLearner launches a GoFundMe campaign to help disadvantaged children in the UK who are struggling to complete their online learning

10 startups solving challenges the aerospace sector faces are selected for the latest ATI Boeing Accelerator. We took a look at the cohort

Whether you're recruiting for a small tech startup or a large well-established organisation, these tips will help you stay on top of your game

The lowdown on the innovative EdTech app Tappity that's on a mission to help kids learn about science in a way they'll actually enjoy...

AlphaBeats is a startup that's created an innovative way to help us all us fight stress while we unwind listening to our favourite music

Major seed investment secured by the innovative Insurtech startup Nayms to assist with developing further pilot programs and building its customer base
Published on: 29th January 2018
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- Where are the UK’s most ambitious people in 2021? 21st Jan 2021 New research from Corporate Coach Group reveals the UK's most ambitious cities and includes top tips on how to make 2021 your best year ever when it comes to achieving your goals
- No-Code Chatbot Builder Landbot Secures $8M Series A 20th Jan 2021 The innovative Spanish startup raises major funding to scale its team and help more businesses design smarter automated conversations with customers
- Supporting disadvantaged children with their online learning 19th Jan 2021 The EverLearner launches a GoFundMe campaign to help disadvantaged children in the UK who are struggling to complete their online learning
- Insurtech startup, Nayms Closes £1.5m seed round 15th Jan 2021 Major seed investment secured by the innovative Insurtech startup Nayms to assist with developing further pilot programs and building its customer base