A University of Bristol student has created a physical e-card that shares details when tapped on a phone, in a bid to bin paper business cards.
Lee Ling Chu, 21, founded the company PRIOT while interning at a law firm during her law degree. PRIOT creates reusable business e-cards.
Users tap their card on a phone and all their contact and business details are transferred over, including a digital copy of the card which is stored in their Apple or Google Wallet. The e-card does not require an app but does require access to the internet.
Ms Ling has received funding from the University of Bristol to build PRIOT.
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She said: “Our goal is to give our customers the best possible first impression. Our cards can be personalised to the individuals or businesses’ goals, and customers can track the reach of their card, allowing us to continue tailoring it to get the best results.
“Networking can be hard work, PRIOT is an affordable way to make it a whole lot easier.”
PRIOT is currently run by Ms Ling and a small team of freelancers, including a marketeer and a designer who devises the personalised cards. The e-business cards use Near Field Communication (often known as NFC), the same technology that contactless payments use.
Ms Ling added: “Being a student and running a business can be difficult, but it’s definitely possible to balance the two. It’s not easy but it’s very fulfilling.”
Katie Martin, student enterprise manager at the University of Bristol, said: “Lee Ling has shown great aptitude and creativity to build her business while studying for a busy law degree.
“PRIOT has the potential to make business more efficient and more sustainable. On a personal level, I can’t wait to be rid of pocketfuls of business cards after events!”
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