Sukoon
IIT Madras
When the sweltering Chennai heat bore down on the students of IIT Madras, it wasn’t just an inconvenience; it sparked a transformative idea for the team behind Sukoon. As the sun blazed relentlessly, they were inspired to create a wearable cooling technology designed to provide much-needed relief in high-temperature environments. Their innovative solution utilized semiconductor technology and microchannel heat exchangers to offer a sensation of comfort that could revolutionize how people cope with extreme heat.
Initially, Sukoon envisioned their product as a game-changer for anyone suffering from heat discomfort. Their goal was ambitious: to address the universal need for cooling in hot conditions. They imagined a broad market, ranging from athletes and construction workers to delivery personnel and outdoor labourers. However, the journey through the GDC I-NCUBATE Program led them to a crucial realization.
During the program, Sukoon’s approach evolved significantly. The team began to understand the importance of focusing not just on the product but on the specific needs of their target audience. They started by examining the delivery services sector, recognizing that delivery workers endure extreme heat daily, often resorting to makeshift solutions like finding shade or wearing light cotton clothes. Yet, through in-depth customer interviews and research, the team found that these workers had adapted to their heat challenges in ways that made them resistant to switching to a new solution without clear, compelling benefits.
This insight prompted Sukoon, to pivot their focus towards a different sector: manufacturing industries. In environments such as iron and steel production, glass making, and cement manufacturing, workers are exposed to intense heat for extended periods, with minimal flexibility to take breaks or seek cooler conditions. This sector presented a more urgent need for effective cooling solutions, making it a prime candidate for Sukoon’s technology.
The GDC I-NCUBATE Program proved to be a critical turning point for Sukoon. It pushed them to refine their approach and align their product development with the specific needs of the manufacturing industry. With a newfound understanding of this sector’s challenges, Sukoon is now focusing on deepening their research to gather concrete evidence of the sector’s requirements. They are also working on improving their prototype to better fit the needs of this identified early adopter segment.
Looking ahead, Sukoon is committed to building a solid business model and preparing a compelling demo for the manufacturing sector. The insights gained from the GDC program have set a strong foundation for their future endeavors, helping them transition from a broad, product-focused perspective to a more targeted, customer-driven approach.
