Chytrá kabelka IRMA
Accelerator, What's new

IRMA is heading to market after Demo Day – a smart handbag backed by PrusaLab and a million-crown investment from Josef Průša

On Thursday 14 November, the smart handbag was officially launched at the Ones Concept Design Store in Prague IRMA. This innovative project, which was created as part of the PrusaLab hardware accelerator, is now heading to customers. Following the completion of the acceleration programme, a successful presentation at Demo Day and the fine-tuning of the manufacturing process, IRMA has secured a multi-million investment from Josef Průša, a leader in the 3D printing field.

Project IRMA smart handbags, which caught the attention of both media representatives and the audience at the PrusaLab Demo Day, has achieved another significant milestone. A product that connects fashion design s safety features, was the 14th of November launched. IRMA is the result of a collaboration between designers Klára Šmakalová (Akari) and two-time award winner Red Dot Awards Jakub Stedina (Stedina Design), who with the support PrusaLab hardware accelerator they moved their concept from the prototype phase to the final form.

„According to alarming European statistics, as many as 83 % young women aged between 16 and 29 adjust their behaviour and routes out of fear of being attacked,“ said Klára Šmakalová to the iDNES.cz server.

The IRMA handbag provides owners with reliable and discreet support during everyday activities. It includes technological features such as powerful alarm a powerful LED light to increase the owner's comfort when moving around the city in the evening. Wireless charging and will ensure that the phone is always ready for use. In addition, the handbag is equipped with replaceable shell, which allows for its appearance fully customise the individual style of the female owner.

About the IRMA handbag

IRMA is a smart handbag that combines an elegant, customisable design with advanced technology:

  • Security features: A powerful alarm and a strong LED light increase the owner's comfort when moving around the city in the evening.
  • Wireless charging: The integrated charger keeps the phone always ready for use.
  • Customisable design: Interchangeable shells allow the owner to adapt the look of the handbag to suit her style.
  • Emphasis on user-friendliness and precise design: IRMA has been designed with the user's maximum comfort in mind and with a focus on detail. The surface finish, intuitive control of charging (and non-discharging) modes, and interactive features, such as feedback when opening the handbag, make IRMA not only a technologically advanced product, but also a pleasant companion for everyday life. This emphasis on user experience (UX) is a distinct competitive feature that places IRMA among high-tech products with a premium design.

Support for PrusaLab and a million-pound investment from Josef Průša

IRMA was created with the full support of the PrusaLab hardware accelerator, which provided the team of designers with access to technological and prototyping facilities as well as expert guidance throughout the development process. Several key factors led to IRMA's acceptance into the programme. Klára Šmakalová and Jakub Stedina convinced us with their strong commitment and determination to see the project through to the end, which is crucial for success in the accelerator. Furthermore, their team forms an ideal combination of professional skills – Klára brings experience from the fashion industry and her own fashion brand, while Jakub, as a technically focused industrial designer, contributes technical knowledge.

Another reason for accepting IRMA into the PrusaLab hardware accelerator was the opportunity for long-term prototyping and modification of the handbag using FDM 3D printing before parts using other manufacturing methods were chosen, which saved a lot of time and costs. Last but not least, the experience gained from solving the technical challenges of the IRMA project, which enriched our development team, was also very valuable to us.

Success at Demo Day, where IRMA gained recognition for its emphasis on both safety and aesthetics, led to another significant step – Josef Prusa, founder of Prusa Research and a 3D printing pioneer, decided to invest millions of crowns in the project. This supported the development of the IRMA project and its launch on the market. A new phase is thus beginning for IRMA – entering the market and meeting customers directly.

About the PrusaLab hardware accelerator

The PrusaLab hardware accelerator is a programme designed for startups and innovative projects with an emphasis on prototyping, technological development and access to manufacturing facilities. Operating under the auspices of Josef Průša, the accelerator provides early-stage entrepreneurs and creators with everything they need to move their products from the prototype to the manufacturing stage, and prepares them for a successful launch on the market. The investment in IRMA is proof that PrusaLab supports promising projects with high potential even after the acceleration is complete.

visualisation: IRMA

Follow IRMA's next steps and her impact on the world of fashion accessories and technology.