Small innovations that are killing it in Charlotte

In today’s world, it’s easy to get sucked into the same old, boring routine. After all, we are creatures of habit. But once and awhile someone will come along and switch things up with a smart, new, innovative idea. That’s when things get exciting.

Here are a few innovations that are changing the game in Charlotte:

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library App

Libraries just got cool again thanks to the new Charlotte Mecklenburg Library app, developed by Skookum. With the app, users gain access to the library’s extensive catalog, download e-books, audiobooks, movies and music, check out with a virtual library card, and more. The library app is available now through iTunes so go check it out.

Charlotte UAV

This Charlotte-based company provides industrial-grade software and hardware solutions for aerial data collection. Translation: they are doing super cool stuff with drones. Their unmanned aerial services are being used for things like land surveys, 2D/3D mapping and modeling, agriculture stress monitoring as well as many other commercial applications.

OrthoCarolina’s Cartilage Restoration Process

Knee cartilage injuries can be a big problem for Charlotteans who like to get out and be active – and cartilage actually can’t heal itself in the same way other tissues in the body can (though people can tolerate varying degrees of damage by exercise). Luckily, OrthoCarolina offers cutting edge cartilage restoration options to get people back in their running shoes (and on the Booty Loop). Along with treating patients, these doctors and surgeons are doing tons of great research as well.

A photo posted by OrthoCarolina (@orthocarolina) on

Orange Theory Fitness

Backed by the science of post-exercise oxygen consumption (intense), Orange Theory isn’t your average gym. Their heart monitored training, which is a combination of indoor rowing, treadmill training and weight training blocks, is designed to help stimulate metabolism and increase energy. They call it “the orange effect.” No joke, this place has a cult following.

House Account App

If you are shopping obsessed like me, the House Account app is a perfect enabler. Created by Charlotte business owners Laura Vinroot Poole and Travis Parons, this app allows users to browse inventory at over 450 boutiques nationwide – 50 in Charlotte alone. Not only can you browse items but you can ask questions and purchase new goodies right from the app.

BREWPUBLIK

If you don’t call craft beer being handpicked and delivered right to your doorstep ‘innovative’, then I don’t know what is. Their curated monthly craft beer deliveries have been a hit in Charlotte. BrewPublik recently announced they are launch a new product called FLEX, which gets you an Explorer Pack (6 beers) for a low-priced flat fee. Even more innovative is this company’s willingness to grow and pivot their business strategy. Read more here.

Abari Game Bar

Abari is Charlotte’s first arcade and bar hybrid. Located in NoDa, it’s got rows of old school pinball machines and arcade games. It’s even got a living room area where patrons can relax on couches and play classic console games. It’s only been open a few weeks but people are completely nerding out and loving it.

(Note: This content was co-created with OrthoCarolina.)