Women in Innovation Success Stories: Joanne Redmile, TurboGaming.com
Joanne Redmile shares how the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award helped her develop a unique fitness gaming console that is now market-ready.
In her home country of Zimbabwe, Joanne Redmile was an avid sportsperson, representing her country in three different sports. Fast forward to today, Joanne is a parent in the UK, where the idea for TurboGaming was born out of the desire to improve our relationship with gaming and promoting a balance between screen time and physical activity.
Leveraging a professional background in tech, TurboGaming converts racing games on Nintendo Switch into fitness games using their new gaming bike. Compatible games include Wreckfest, Need for Speed, Nascar, Mario Kart, Hot Wheels Unleashed and Crash Team Racing, to name a few. Joanne’s innovative solution provides an opportunity for families to stay active by engaging in a new genre of athletic esports.
Upon joining Innovate UK Women in Innovation, TurboGaming set out to design and fabricate a prototype to test a range of compatible games, aiming to build brand partnerships ahead of a soft launch. Having successfully achieved their goal, they are now due to exhibit their gaming bikes in March 2025 at The National Cycle Show.
Learn, adapt, grow
Through the Women in Innovation programme, Joanne learned several lessons to implement on her growth journey.
“Coming from a software background, the hardware elements have all been new to me personally. The industrial design process, the product development road map, and supply chain setup have all been growth areas for me”.“I have learned a great deal about compliance and regulations, the best IP strategies and the funding landscape,” Joanne explained.“I believe I have what it takes to bring this product to the market and grow this HealthTech startup into a scalable business with a range of complimentary products”.
“There is so much experience within the Women in Innovation group and such a willingness to share and encourage. I have also received some fantastic support from my advisors,” Joanne said.
Support leads to success
With the support of her cohort, Joanne is now directing her mindset on what she can achieve in the next five years.
“We are planning to raise our first round of funding in the coming months which will enable small scale production, brand development and marketing. In time we’d like to expand into several international markets, grow the product line and host large competitive esports events,” she said.
When you’re just starting out, thinking of the bigger picture can feel a bit daunting. Your peers can be a valuable source of support, as Joanne explains:
“If you get in to the Women in Innovation programme, I encourage you to start a WhatsApp group for the cohort. A network of like-minded entrepreneurs is so valuable. Entrepreneurship can be lonely, so it’s important to make friends with people who are on the same journey as you”.
“Back yourself, understand your role and grow into it. It’s not always comfortable and there are always challenges, but it’s worth it and it’s fun!”
Read more success stories from the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Awards.
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Women in Innovation
Enabling brilliant women across the UK to fully achieve their vision for their businesses and change the world, while championing and celebrating gender diversity throughout UK innovation.