Latest game changers on display at Stanford's Cool product Expo

PALO ALTO, Calif. (KGO) -- A group of startups that some consider game changers gathered at Stanford University Wednesday for the Cool Product Expo, an event that's open to the public.

Organizers of Stanford University Cool Product Expo call it a showcase of startups that emphasize good design.

"Most of these companies, they are very private right now, so to get this opportunity is very unique for the public," said Sharon Morad of Stanford's Product Design and Manufacturing Club.

"You have to get beyond the aspect of the new shiny thing. Is it a new valuable thing? Is it a new delightful thing? Is it a new purposeful thing?" said Jason Mayden, A design fellow at Stanford University.

Wednesday's event showcased items for the home, things for a bass guitar and things to ride on.

The makers of the fabled one-wheel were there giving free lessons. But for those who prefer riding on two wheels, or four, there were some options that were so new they're not even for sale yet, and they pretty much all run on batteries.

The $500,000 Renovo Coupe goes 0 to 60 mph in just over three seconds and that's not the only thing it does fast.

"It's unlike anything else I've ever driven. It launches you like a rocket, like a rail gun," said Christopher Heiser, CEO of Renovo Motors. "We can charge the batteries in 30 minutes."

Though out of reach for most people, it enters a growing space with players like Bolt Motorbikes, trying to make electric stylish.

There were even vehicles with no wheels at all.

"We built the hoverboard, a lot of people are familiar with," said Ryan Miller, chief of staff for Arx Pax.

Though it requires a sheet of copper underneath, it can float in mid-air. It could replace forklifts and conveyor belts, and one day maybe a car.

"We're looking at building cars that can actually utilize that technology,"Miller added.

Cars that might one day look as good as the Renovo Coupe.