The MIRNIX HOCKEY project was founded by Matěj Raiter and Tomáš Mulač—hockey players who know firsthand how challenging it is to dry and store gear. From that personal experience came the idea for a product that would not only dry equipment efficiently but also be space-saving and easy to transport.
They applied to the PrusaLab Hardware Accelerator with a working concept, but quickly realized that turning it into a real product would come with a whole new set of challenges.
The Beginning: Locker Room Experience, Idea in Mind
The accelerator provided them not only with the technical infrastructure for development and prototyping, but also with mentoring, structure, and guidance—enabling them to take the project far beyond isolated ideas and turn it into a complete, functional solution.
“We thought we were done. PrusaLab showed us how much work was still ahead,” says Matěj Raiter.
Acceleration Process: Development, Production, Validation
One of the key tools during the acceleration process was 3D printing, which the team used to quickly validate design solutions. With Prusa printers and filaments, they produced both functional prototypes and components for the first production series. Rapid prototyping helped uncover dead ends and fine-tune the design so that the hanger could support a full set of gear while remaining compact.
Business mentoring also played a major role, covering:
- Logistics (in collaboration with DHL Express)
- Financial planning (Jiří Vízek)
- Business strategy (Jaroslav Trojan)
- Marketing (Bob Tetiva)
- Legal protection and IP (Machů IP)
A key partner in the area of packaging was Unipap, which collaborated with the team to design packaging that also functions as a display stand for retail stores.
The final form of the hanger was designed by Jakub Stedina, a two-time Red Dot Award winner and also the designer behind another accelerated project—the smart handbag IRMA. Jakub brought a strong focus on ergonomics, proportions, and overall visual style to the development process.
Post-Acceleration: The Hooking Heads to Market
At the final Demo Day at PrusaLab, Matěj and Tomáš presented the finished product, The Hooking, from their limited FIRST100 series—and it immediately went on sale.
A major milestone was the decision by Josef Průša to invest in the next phase of development. This support will help the team scale up production and expand their sales network beyond the Czech market.
With a validated product, a clear vision, and a growing customer base, MIRNIX HOCKEY is now entering a new stage of its journey.
MIRNIX HOCKEY Today
The story of The Hooking hanger proves that even a seemingly simple idea can lead to a truly innovative solution—provided it has the right guidance and support. Thanks to the PrusaLab Accelerator, the project underwent a rapid and intensive transformation, allowing it to move from concept to serial production and a real business.
Today, MIRNIX HOCKEY stands on solid ground, and The Hooking aims to become an essential piece of gear for hockey players—not just in the Czech Republic, but internationally.
