In 2016, the Triton Gills project captivated the imagination of diving enthusiasts and tech aficionados alike. Promising a revolutionary device that allowed users to breathe underwater without bulky scuba gear, Triton Gills quickly became a crowdfunding sensation.
However, as scrutiny intensified, the project unraveled, leaving many to question its legitimacy and branding it as a potential scam.
The Rise of a Kickstarter Legend
Triton Gills emerged on Indiegogo with bold claims: a compact device that could extract oxygen from water, enabling users to breathe underwater for up to 45 minutes at depths of 15 feet.
The campaign resonated with the public, raising nearly $900,000 from backers eager to support this groundbreaking technology.
Founders of Triton Gills
The project was spearheaded by Jeabyun Yeon, a South Korean designer, and Saeed Khademi, a Swedish entrepreneur. Yeon brought design expertise, while Khademi handled business operations.
Later, John Khademi, described as a marketing specialist, joined the team.
Scientific Scrutiny and Implausible Claims
Despite the initial excitement, experts quickly raised concerns about the feasibility of Triton’s technology. The device purportedly used microporous hollow fibers to extract oxygen from water, but scientists argued that the volume of water required to sustain human respiration made such a compact device impractical.
Delays and Shifting Narratives
As skepticism grew, the Triton team altered their narrative, stating that the device would utilize “liquid oxygen” cylinders to supply breathable air.
This shift contradicted earlier claims of extracting oxygen directly from water, leading to further doubts about the project’s credibility.
Public Backlash and Financial Collapse
The inconsistencies and lack of transparent communication led to public backlash. Indiegogo intervened, and the Triton team refunded all backers, amounting to nearly $900,000.
Despite this, they relaunched the campaign with revised claims, but trust had eroded, and the project failed to regain its initial momentum.
A Legacy of Warnings
The Triton Gills saga serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of crowdfunding unverified technologies. It underscores the importance of scientific validation and transparency in product development.
The project is often cited in discussions about crowdfunding pitfalls and the need for due diligence.
Community Vigilance and Exposure
Online communities, particularly Reddit’s r/Shitty Kick starters, played a pivotal role in scrutinizing and exposing the flaws in Triton’s claims. Users analyzed the technical aspects, questioned the feasibility, and highlighted inconsistencies, contributing to the project’s eventual downfall.
FAQ
Q: What was Triton Gills?
A device claimed to allow underwater breathing by extracting oxygen from water.
Q: Who were the founders?
Jeabyun Yeon (designer), Saeed Khademi (entrepreneur), and John Khademi (marketing specialist).
Q: Why was the project controversial?
Experts deemed the technology scientifically implausible, and the team shifted core claims mid-campaign.
Q: What happened to the funds raised?
Indiegogo intervened and refunded nearly $900,000 to backers after public backlash.
Q: Did the project ever deliver a working product?
No verified working product was ever delivered to backers.
TL;DR
Triton Gills raised $900K with bold claims of underwater breathing but collapsed after scientific doubts and a major credibility loss.
