Leo Fernekes is a prolific inventor and serial entrepreneur, with13 US patents for innovations in diverse areas such as motion-picture imaging, book-binding, toy vehicle mechanics and virtual LED displays. These wide-ranging endeavors have honed Fernekes’ distinctive talents as a product designer, engineer and scientist, though he describes his true vocation as “techno-sociologist” - focusing on the critical emotional relationship between man and machine.

Fernekes began his career at Lucasfilm in 1980, developing one of the first computer controlled animation stands, then spent near a decade cutting his teeth at California startup companies before moving to New York in 1987. In NYC he founded Electrokinetics Inc., a product development consultancy focusing on cutting-edge technology solutions. The company was acquired by Razorfish in 1999.

Fernekes then began exploring experimental media saturated “telepresence environments” working in collaboration with NYC Internet legend Joshua Harris, one of which became the subject of the documentary feature film “We Live in Public”

These experiences prompted Fernekes to develop Remote Lounge, a technology-themed cocktail bar in NYC Outfitted with 60 video cameras and 120 live video monitors operated by the customers themselves, Remote created a “telepresence environment” encouraging playful interaction between patrons through custom designed remote-control video technology.

Fernekes’ current business venture Sensacell is focused on developing innovative human-technology interfaces, advances in sensor technology, and innovative consumer product concepts.

* Innovation - putting things together in new ways.

* Design - understanding what’s important.

* Engineering - Fluent and capable, a cross-disciplinary skillset including:

Electrical engineering - circuit design and systems development.

Mechanical engineering - mechanisms, materials, structures. Mechatronics – motion control, sensors, actuators, control systems.

Software engineering - embedded control, high level systems design.

Manufacturing - processes and technologies.