MIRNIX HOCKEY: How the best hockey hanger on the market was created with the help of PrusaLab
At PrusaLab we love projects that stem from a real need. And such is the story of MIRNIX HOCKEY – a startup that decided to solve the problem of drying hockey gear. At Demo Day, we proudly presented the result of several months of acceleration in the PrusaLab hardware accelerator – the practical hockey hanger “The Hooking”, which helps hockey players dry and organise their gear more efficiently.
How did the journey go from the initial idea to the finished product ready for sale?
MIRNIX HOCKEY: From concept to market-ready product
Founders Matěj Raiter and Tomáš Mulač knew that drying hockey gear is a never-ending battle. Poor air circulation, smell, bacteria, lack of space – every player knows this. And so they decided to come up with a compact,, durable, ergonomic hangerthat helps solve this problem.
Their idea made it through the selection for the PrusaLab hardware accelerator, which meant only one thing: an intensive, months-long process of development, testing and strategic planning, turning a great idea into a successful product and a sustainable business.
What happened during the acceleration?
At PrusaLab, startups find not only a workshop full of all kinds of manufacturing technologies, but also practical help with key aspects of production and bringing the product to market. With MIRNIX HOCKEY, we focused on three main areas:
1. Development of plastic components using 3D printing
Developing a physical product is always a challenge – especially when it comes to durable and lightweight plastic partsthat must bear the weight of a full set of hockey gear while being easy to store. A key role was played by 3D printers and Prusa filaments, which allowed us to quickly test different design variants and optimise the shape for maximum strength and functionality.
2. Packaging as part of the product
Another key part was packaging optimisation, for which MIRNIX HOCKEY worked with one of our trusted suppliers, Unipap.
The result? The cardboard box insert also serves as a display stand for the hanger in the shop, which eliminates the need for extra display materials and makes it easier to sell in bricks-and-mortar shops and at sports events.
3. Mentoring and strategy
Knowing HOW to make a product is not enough. It must be clear how to get it to customers, how to finance the company's sustainable growth and how to protect its unique design and features. That is why MIRNIX HOCKEY went through intensive mentoring in key areas:
- financial planning with Jiří Vízek,
- business strategy with Jaroslav Trojan,
- logistics with DHL Express,
- patent protection with MACHU IP patent attorneys,
- marketing strategy with Bob Tetiva.
The final form of the product owes most to industrial designer Jakub Stedina, two-time winner of the Red Dot Design Award, who is also behind another accelerated product, the smart handbag IRMA.
MIRNIX HOCKEY at Demo Day: First pieces are heading to customers
After months of hard work, MIRNIX had their big moment. Journalists and investors at Demo Day at PrusaLab were the first to try out the finished hanger from the limited edition FIRST100. First reaction? Enthusiasm!
What's next?
The hockey hanger is ready for the market, and MIRNIX HOCKEY is preparing to make it available to players from amateurs to professionals. Thanks to PrusaLab, they found not only technological and manufacturing facilities, but also valuable contacts and know-how to help them scale their business.
If you'd like to know which other startups are growing with PrusaLab’s help, follow our blog or apply for the next round of the hardware accelerator. Perhaps your project will be the next one to receive support from Josef Průša.
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