Wearable tech startup UNA Watch has launched a Kickstarter campaign for its modular sports watch.
Inspired by similar product models including Fairphone and Framework laptops, UNA Watch enables users to swap out individual components – such as batteries, screens and sensors – rather than replacing the entire device.
The Edinburgh startup recently secured more than £300,000 investment from London-based SFC Capital as it prepares to take on industry giants Apple and Garmin.
It also won the £100,000 top prize from Scottish EDGE last year.
The crowdfunding campaign is seeking to raise £500,000 through 2,500 pre-orders in the UK and US.
This will fund the first full production run and build a global community of early adopters.
Interest in the tech is already fierce, with more than 13,000 people pre-registering and more than 3,000 placing deposits.
The UK is one of the worst offenders for e-waste globally, producing 24kg per person annually – second only to Norway.
“The tech industry has normalised disposability – but it doesn’t have to be this way. When a screen cracks or a battery wears out, that shouldn’t mean the end of the device. We’re giving people the power to fix their own tech, saving them money while reducing e-waste,” said founder Lewis Allison (above), an experienced electronics engineer.
“Our mission is to challenge the status quo. At present, if your smartwatch breaks, you’re often left with an expensive paperweight. UNA Watch is designed to last – to evolve and adapt with the user, rather than being replaced every couple of years.”
A key focus is the US market, where UNA Watch is investing heavily in digital marketing, influencer partnerships, and celebrity endorsements. The company has also been in talks with world-class athletes about potential endorsement deals.
Allison added: “Athletes – whether professional or amateur – demand reliability and performance, but they also want choice. We’re working with top-tier runners to ensure UNA Watch meets the highest standards.”
Beyond the consumer market, UNA Watch sees significant potential in B2B applications. Industry customers have expressed interest in customisable smartwatches for specialised uses, such as safety monitoring and fatigue tracking.
The company is also working on an ‘UNA for Developers’ programme, enabling third-party developers to create custom modules for the platform.