MIRNIX HOCKEY in the Accelerator: What they achieved, what surprised them, and what they learned
„We thought we were almost done. PrusaLab showed us how much work we still had ahead of us.“
Within a few months in the PrusaLab Hardware Accelerator, the startup MIRNIX HOCKEY went through an intensive journey from a „nearly finished“ product to a fully functional solution that it now sells through its own e-shop and distribution network. We recorded short interviews with Matěj Raiter and Tomáš Mulač, in which they talk openly about what the acceleration gave them, what surprised them the most during development, and why it is important to have the right people around you when building a hardware product.
From idea to first series
When the team entered the accelerator, they felt that the product was almost ready for the market. Within a few weeks, however, they discovered that there were still numerous details that could fundamentally affect functionality, manufacturing and the future growth of the brand.
During the acceleration, they thus managed a complete rebranding, final structural modifications, production of the first hundred units and initial steps in distribution. The original concept gradually became a product ready for real customers.
FDM 3D printing also played an important role. Thanks to rapid prototyping, the team was able to continuously verify individual design solutions, uncover weak points, and react quickly to new findings. Some of the printed components ultimately remained part of the final product.
Mentoring that moves you forward
One of the greatest benefits of the acceleration was not just the technology, but above all the people. Matěj and Tomáš repeatedly mention that it was precisely the regular consultations and systematic support that helped them maintain their pace and focus on what matters most.
Alongside the accelerator coordinators, they also gained access to experts in logistics, finance, marketing, and legal protection. As a result, they were able to tackle problems that most hardware startups only face when they actually start selling their product.
It turned out that a good product in itself is not enough. Equally important is properly setting up production, the business model, and further brand development.
Growth that makes sense
MIRNIX HOCKEY took away from the accelerator not only a finished product, but also a clearer idea of where the brand wants to head next. Today, they are already actively selling The Hooking, building a distribution network, and preparing further development of the project.
Another significant milestone was Josef Prša's decision to support the company's further growth by investing in its future development.
The MIRNIX HOCKEY story is proof that, even within a few months, a hardware project can be advanced by several levels thanks to proper guidance, technological background and intensive mentoring.
About the project The Hooking of MIRNIX HOCKEY we have written more in a separate article.
And if you're interested in how it works PrusaLab Hardware Accelerator and how we help startups turn ideas into real products, take a look at further information about the programme.
