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 – of a startup that decided to solve hockey equipment drying problem. At Demo Day, we proudly presented the result of several months of acceleration in PrusaLab hardware accelerator – practical hockey clothes hanger „The Hooking“, which helps hockey players to dry and organise their kit 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 a Tomáš Mulač they knew that drying ice hockey equipment 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 compact, durable ergonomic clothes hanger, which will help to resolve this issue.
Their idea succeeded in the selection for PrusaLab hardware accelerator, which meant only one thing: intense multi-month development process, testing a strategic planning, so that a great idea becomes a successful product and a sustainable business.
What happened during the acceleration?
In PrusaLab, start-ups are not just met with a workshop full of various manufacturing technologies, but also practical help with key aspects of production a product launch. At 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 a lightweight plastic parts, which must bear the weight of the entire hockey kit while also being compact. The leading role played 3D printers a Prusa filaments, thanks to which we were able to quickly test various design variants and optimise the shape for maximum strength and functionality.
2. Packaging as part of the product
Another key part was packaging optimisation, on which MIRNIX HOCKEY collaborated with one of our tried-and-tested suppliers, the company Unipap.
Result? cardboard box filler at the same time it serves as display stand for a coat hanger in the shop, which eliminates the need for additional promotional materials and facilitates sales in brick-and-mortar stores as well as at sporting events.
3. Mentoring strategy
To know HOW It is not enough just to manufacture a product. It must be clear how to get it to customers, how to finance the sustainable development of the company, and how to protect the unique design and features. That is why MIRNIX HOCKEY underwent intensive mentoring in key areas:
- financial planning s Jiří Vízek,
- business strategy s Jaroslav Trojan,
- logistics s DHL Express,
- patent protections s MACHU IP patent office,
- marketing strategies s Bobem Tetivou.
The main contribution to the final form of the product comes from industrial designer Jakub Stedina, two-time holder Red Dot Design Award, which 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. On Demo Day v PrusaLab journalists and investors were among the first visitors to have the opportunity to try out the finished limited-edition clothes hanger FIRST100. First reaction? Enthusiasm!
What's next?
The hockey shoulder pad hanger is ready for the market, and MIRNIX HOCKEY are preparing to expand its availability to players ranging 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 are interested, Which other start-ups are growing thanks to PrusaLab’s support?, check our blog or subscribe to the next generation of hardware accelerators. Perhaps your project will be the next one to receive support from Josef Průša.
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