Newcastle innovator, Daniel Prasad attracts big interest from his digital business directory AdPad, set to revolutionise business advertising across Australia.
The AdPad’s sleek and useful digital tablet interface is fast replacing the traditional paperbound local business directories known as the book.
In recent years, with the advancement of technology, the book has had an estimated 96% throw out rate, leaving an inviting market gap. An opportunity seized by Daniel.
The AdPad, with a similar look and feel to other tablets, is user-friendly, does not require Wi-Fi and comes with a swathe of functionalities. What the AdPad has retained from its ancestor is its availability and regionality; the sleek tablet will be delivered free to the public’s front door.
The AdPad not only lists businesses in the local area, it also features videos, games, calendar, cookbooks and more.
With a number of tablets in homes today, AdPad is the next step in business advertising – to be able to find an electrician or a local doctor with a simple swipe.
Daniel believes the AdPad will be the first digital directory delivered free to the public.
“I see AdPad as the go-to source for local business information and a useful addition to any household,” said Daniel.
This, however, is not Daniel Prasad’s first innovative and marketable idea. With inventing in his blood, Daniel first made his mark at the age of 16 when he won the National Innovators Award that funded his wireless headphone invention. This was four years before bluetooth technology launched.
Daniel also designed a bracket specifically for e-tags that used a suction cup to mount to the windscreens rather than using adhesives. His first order was for 10,000 units and Unibrac is still achieving big goals today.
The AdPad has drawn interest from national and international partners. One of which is the V8 Supercars Australia. AdPad has secured an exclusive opportunity to be the major sponsor for the Aussie Racing Cars, which is one of the biggest support categories of Newcastle’s V8 Super Car race this November.
With support from The Business Centre, Daniel has taken what was then the seed of an idea to a now ready to launch finished product.
“Being in business, I have learnt you have to keep an open mind about change,” said Daniel.
“Change to your product or change to your business or both.
“To help business transition to the AdPad, I have looked at ways to eliminate any financial risk for early advertisers. Clients can sign up, secure their ad and know they will not be invoiced until I reach 2,000 businesses signed up. I found this has worked really well. I’m getting more businesses signing on and we are now on track to reach our goal around March/April.”
Newcastle and Hunter region businesses can still register for advertising – the cut-off date is 31 March 2017 and the AdPad will launch in Newcastle shortly thereafter before going national.
IMAGE | Chief Operating Officer of The Business Centre, Steve Wait with Founder of AdPad, Daniel Prasad.
