Inside the Story: Teen's drone invention lands him on Time's 'Most Influential Teens' list
(KUTV) A Utah teen has become one of Time Magazine's "Most Influential Teens."
And he did it by inventing a one-of-a-kind drone.
At just 19, George Matus is the founder and CEO of Teal Drones.
The Teal Drone is basically a computer on wings.
"It's the first drone with a super computer built in," Matus said.
That means it can not only fly, but can also be plugged into a monitor and operate as a typical desk-top computer.
"You can surf the web, play games, play videos," Matus said of the drone.
It's also the fastest drone in its class with a speed of over 70 miles an hour. And it's a modular device, so you can add to it.
"The idea with Teal is that it's something that can grow with you over time. You never need to buy another drone."
The operator can also program the drone to recognize who you are, so it can go everywhere with you.
Matus' invention is so unique that it's landed him in Time Magazine as one of the 30 "Most Influential Teens" of the year.
"It's absolutely surreal," Matus said. "President Obama's daughters are on there and Olympic medalists. I absolutely feel out of my league."
Investors believed in Matus' idea so much that he managed to raise $6 million to get his company up and running.
And he's never had any formal drone training and hasn't been to college.
Matus' love of drones started when he was just 10 years old and couldn't get enough of remote aircrafts.
At 12, he became a test pilot for a drone company and about two and a half years ago, he came up with the concept of the Teal Drone.
Matus' company has grown to include 14 employees who are all hoping to launch their exclusive quadcopter in May of next year.
The drones will sell for $1299.
Visit the Teal Drones website for more information.
