- Accelerated
IRMA: A smart handbag that brings together design, safety and technology
How to create a product that is as elegant as it is practical? The IRMA startup was created with the aim of offering women an everyday accessory that not only looks good, but also actively contributes to their safety. The project by designer Klára Šmakalová and industrial designer Jakub Stedina went through the PrusaLab acceleration programme in 2023, where key prototypes and technical solutions were developed. Today, IRMA is an award-winning product that has received the prestigious iF Design Award and successfully entered the market.
Start-up
Klára Šmakalová, Jakub Stedina
Region
Design, wearables, security, consumer electronics
Year of Acceleration
2023
Aim of the programme
Development of a functional prototype ready for series production
When a handbag can do more than just carry things
The impetus for the creation of the project was personal.
Klára Šmakalová wanted to create a product that would give women a greater sense of security without having to carry an extra device or use defensive products.
Together with industrial designer Jakub Stedina, they therefore looked for a way to combine an elegant fashion accessory with modern technology. That is how IRMA was created.
Smart handbag of the new generation
At first glance, IRMA looks like a designer handbag. Inside, however, it conceals features designed to make everyday life easier.
It is equipped with an alarm, an LED light and wireless phone charging. Thanks to its modular design, its appearance can also be changed using interchangeable shells.
From the beginning, the aim was for the technology to be a natural part of the product and not disrupt its design.
From idea to working product
When the team entered the PrusaLab Hardware Accelerator, they had primarily a concept and initial prototypes at their disposal.
During the programme he gained access to rapid prototyping technologies, expert consultations and the experience of mentors.
The biggest challenge was combining electronics, design and user comfort into a single compact product. The accelerator made it possible to quickly test various options and continuously improve the design.
Design, technology and user experience
3D printing played an important role during development.
Using prototypes, the team was able to verify the design solutions, ergonomics, and layout of electronic components, and quickly identify potential problems.
Alongside the technical side, the user experience was also addressed – function control, charging, and the integration of safety features with a premium look.
The result is a product that combines aesthetics, practicality and modern technologies.
Acceleration is not just about technologies
Business support was also an important part of the programme.
The team consulted on logistics, financial planning, marketing and future production. In collaboration with mentors and programme partners, the foundations of the supply chain and business model were created.
It was precisely this combination of technical and business mentoring that enabled the design project to be transformed into a product ready for market entry.
Demo Day, investment and launch
Following the end of the acceleration programme, IRMA introduced herself at the PrusaLab Demo Day.
The project captured the attention not only of visitors and the media, but also of Josef Průša, who subsequently decided to invest several million crowns in the startup. The investment made it possible to finalise production preparations and accelerate the product's launch on the market.
The official premiere took place in November 2024 at the Ones Concept Design Store in Prague, where IRMA was presented to the public as a finished product for the first time.
iF Design Award
The year 2025 became a significant milestone.
IRMA has won the prestigious iF Design Award 2025, one of the most respected industrial design accolades in the world. Out of nearly 11,000 entries from 66 countries, it impressed the jury with its combination of elegant design, technological innovation and clearly defined user benefit.
The award confirmed that a Czech startup can succeed even on the global stage.
About the Founders
Klára Šmakalová is behind the fashion brand Akari, which she has been building since 2008. She has long been dedicated to fashion design and working with premium materials.
Jakub Stedina is an industrial designer with over a hundred completed projects. He is also a two-time recipient of the prestigious Red Dot Award and has long been dedicated to developing products at the intersection of design and technology.
By combining their expertise, they created a product that bridges the worlds of fashion, industrial design and consumer electronics.
Result
IRMA is a prime example of a startup that managed to use acceleration to quickly transition from an idea to a market-ready product.
During the programme, functional prototypes were created, manufacturing processes were verified, a business model was established and the foundations for future production were laid. This was followed by an investment, market launch and an international design award.
Today, IRMA is proof that the combination of design, technology and strong personal motivation can lead to the creation of a product that solves a real problem while holding its own against the world's best brands.
