Spokane, WA – Crowd Compass, an innovative device designed for seamless, off-grid communication, has been selected as a finalist in the 2025 SXSW Innovation Awards in the Connection & Communication category. This recognition highlights the device’s ability to enhance real-time connectivity in environments where traditional networks are unreliable or nonexistent.
The SXSW Innovation Awards celebrate groundbreaking technologies that push the boundaries of innovation. Crowd Compass stands out with its 3-mile communication range, service-free messaging, real-time friend-finding, and unlimited connections—all without relying on cellular networks.
“Being recognized as a finalist at SXSW is an incredible milestone for our team,” said Chris Dimoff, CEO of Crowd Compass. “We started with a simple goal: helping people stay connected and find friends at large events where overloaded networks often fail. Along the way, we recognized that our technology has the potential to serve a much greater purpose. By equipping event organizers and emergency response teams with a reliable, off-grid communication solution, we are actively enhancing event safety and advancing harm reduction efforts. Crowd Compass enhances real-time coordination, reducing response times in critical situations like medical emergencies, missing persons, and crisis interventions. This technology is more than just a way to stay connected—it is a vital tool for creating safer, more secure environments where attendees, staff, and security teams can communicate seamlessly, even when traditional networks are unavailable.”
Key Features of Crowd Compass
1. Seamless, Off-Grid Communication
● Send and receive messages without relying on cellular or Wi-Fi networks.
● Functions in crowded events, remote locations, or disaster scenarios where traditional networks fail.
2. Real-Time Location Tracking with Distance Indicators
● LED-guided navigation helps users locate their friends effortlessly.
● Directional indicators adjust in real-time as users move toward each other.
● Distance indicators display how far away connected friends or team members are, making meetups easy in large or unfamiliar spaces.
3. Unlimited Connections
● Unlike traditional walkie-talkies, Crowd Compass supports unlimited connections, making it ideal for large groups, teams, and event staff.
4. Private & Secure Mesh Network
● Operates on an independent 915MHz mesh radio network, ensuring encrypted and interference-free communication.
● Keeps users connected even in congested or disconnected network environments.
● Each device acts as a relay in the mesh network, extending communication range as more units connect.
5. Enhancing Event Safety & Harm Reduction
● More than just a social tool, Crowd Compass is a critical asset for event organizers, staff, and harm reduction teams.
● Enables faster response times in medical emergencies, missing persons, and crisis situations, even when traditional networks fail.
● Improves coordination and reduces communication gaps, ensuring a safer, more connected environment for all attendees.
6. Durable and Dependable
● Weather-resistant and built to withstand demanding event conditions and outdoor adventures.
● Designed for reliability, stays powered for 24 hours on a single set of replaceable batteries, ensuring continuous connectivity for festivals, expeditions, and emergency situations.
Experience Crowd Compass at SXSW
The winners of the SXSW Innovation Awards will be announced during the ceremony on March 10, 2025, in Austin, Texas. Attendees can experience live Crowd Compass demonstrations at:
● The Innovation Awards Showcase – March 8, 2025
● The SXSW Expo – March 9-12, 2025
See firsthand how Crowd Compass is transforming communication at festivals, large gatherings, and remote adventures.
About Crowd Compass
Crowd Compass is a revolutionary communication solution designed to keep people connected—anywhere, anytime. Built with cutting-edge technology and user-first design, it provides reliable, off-grid communication, ensuring seamless connectivity and peace of mind even when traditional networks fail.
Whether you’re coordinating a large event, navigating a crowded festival, or exploring the outdoors with friends, Crowd Compass keeps you connected when it matters most.
For more information on Crowd Compass or its role in harm reduction and event safety, visit www.crowdcompass.io or contact us at info@crowdcompass.io.
