Long lines at the microwave in the office break room followed by a short lunch break and the fact that the food also loses its fresh taste and vitamins has led the trio of founders of the start-up Nexenic to revolutionize Mealprep as we know it.
The Swiss start-up had an idea for a smart lunch box that would help with meal prep, improve users' diets, reduce food waste, and save costs. The Steasy mobile mini-steamer heats food up flexibly on the go with a sophisticated method that ensures the food does not lose taste, vitamins or nutrients, which unfortunately happens when reheating food normally in a microwave.
"Our Steasy thus offers real added value not only to students, but also to health-conscious office workers, sales representatives or craftsmen," explains Claudio Ruiz, Co-Founder, and CEO of Nexenic.
As the name already suggests, the mini-steamer uses steam cooking. Water in the outer shell is heated and the steam moves into the inner shell where the food is located to heat the food gently and evenly. As a result of this innovative process, the quality and nutrients of the dishes are well preserved with virtually no difference from the original fresh meal.
Featuring a leakproof and lightweight design, Steasy allows consumers to enjoy fresher food wherever they are and its integrated battery enables meals to be heated at any time. What's even cooler is that given its smart technology, the portable steamer lets users program a set mealtime through its app so it's ready when you are. Don't want to wait while you're already on your lunch break to prep your food? Steasy will have it ready at the exact start of your lunch if you want. The little lunch box also has enough power to heat up anything inside of it for up to 15 minutes at a time. The battery also has a short charging time so you're never without power for long if you forget to charge it.
"In addition, our Steasy is battery-powered. Annoying cables and the need for a power outlet are eliminated," continues Johannes Hofer, Co-Founder and CMO.
Due to the design of the portable lunch steamer container, the Swiss start-up needed a manufacturer who could create such a container. The Jauch Group, a specialist in quartz crystals, crystal oscillators, and battery technology that's been around since 1954, is a leading company in frequency control products and a recognized expert on the future market for lithium-ion and lithium polymer batteries.
According to Jauch, they provide "A modern batteries assembly line for battery solutions with high technical requirements to ensure the production of individual battery packs for various applications." So, Nexenic reached out to Jauch to complete their invention.
"Jauch delivered a convincing performance with the overall package of service and performance. The advice beyond our original request for cells was very valuable, especially with regard to certifications, including the UN38.3 transport test. It was quickly clear that we share the same understanding of quality," explains Reto Muhl, CTO and Co-Founder at Nexenic.
"Initially, 18650 lithium cells were planned. Now, we are working with cells of type 21700. These cells have the advantage that they have a much higher capacity and are, therefore, much more suitable for the Steasy. Due to the higher capacity, the cells meet the requirement to supply the Steasy with power for a complete heating process," explains Viktor Sichwardt, Project Manager at Jauch.
Nexenic also emphasizes that another point for the decision for Jauch was the topic of regionality. "We are from Switzerland, and it was important to us to at least be in the same time zone, speak the same language, and have accessible contacts. The fact that Jauch Quartz is located in Schwenningen is even better. Because this also gives the opportunity for site visits," Ruiz said.
The first pre-launch phase has just been completed. The first Steasys units can already be pre-ordered via the online store, and have are expected to be delivered starting mid-October.
Fun Innovations Friday
Created by the editors of New Equipment Digest and Plant Services, Fun Innovations Friday is a feel-good blog that showcases how advances in science, math, engineering, and technology are making our world more whimsical. Here’s another post that is guaranteed to brighten your day.
Itsy, Bitsy, Teenie, Weenie MilliMobile Robot Runs on Light and Radio Waves
What if you could deploy a microrobot no bigger than a coin to investigate issues at your facility and wirelessly transmit data from attached sensors to help you make more informed decisions?
