SkoneLabs

This interview details SkoneLabs, an indoor farming technology company based in Germany. The interview is with Siddardha Koneti, Founder of SkoneLabs.

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What is the origin story of SkoneLabs?

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SkoneLabs was born out of a passion for sustainability and a desire to address the growing issue of food loss and waste. As we looked into the world of the food value chain, we learned that the majority of fresh produce loss and waste occurs before it reaches the consumer. Statistics confirm that this not only represents a significant environmental burden but also a missed opportunity to address food insecurity and hunger.

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We embarked on a mission to develop a solution that could help bulk fresh food handlers (such as vertical farms, farming associations, storage & distribution centers, supermarkets, and restaurants) minimize food loss and waste and promote food sustainability. Our quest led us to the intersection of IoT (Internet of Things) and AI (Artificial Intelligence), where we discovered the potential of smart sensor technology to revolutionize food quality monitoring, quality degradation & change prediction, and food loss estimation. Furthermore, we believe that with our solution, we can empower businesses in the food value chain to comply with sustainability and emissions regulations.

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What are some of the biggest challenges facing SkoneLabs in the future?

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While the potential of our technology is immense, we recognize the challenges that lie ahead. One of the most significant hurdles is widespread adoption among bulk food handlers, especially in industries accustomed to traditional monitoring methods. We must effectively communicate the value and benefits of our solution to convince potential customers of its transformative impact on food waste reduction.

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Another challenge lies in ensuring the accuracy of AI models. We continuously work to refine our algorithms and incorporate real-world data to enhance their predictive capabilities. This dedication to accuracy is essential to providing reliable insights to our customers, enabling them to make informed decisions that minimize food loss and waste.

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What is unique about SkoneLabs compared to competitors?

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SkoneLabs stands apart from competitors in several key aspects:

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Smart Sensor Device Technology: Our plug-and-play smart sensor devices are easy to install and integrate into existing infrastructure, eliminating the need for complex installations and disrupting existing operations. For example, for vertical and indoor farming customers, the devices can be hooked onto the racks to gather crucial data on factors like temperature, humidity, and gas composition, providing a real-time understanding of your farm's environment.

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AI-Powered Quality and Food Loss Prediction: Our AI engine analyzes sensor data to predict food quality changes and potential spoilage with high accuracy. This proactive approach helps bulk food handlers take preventive measures and minimize waste. For example, for vertical and indoor farming customers, it can estimate the impact of changes in temperature, humidity, or gas composition on the yield and quality of the produce in storage.

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Data-Driven Insights: Our solution provides actionable insights based on real-time data and AI predictions. This data-driven approach allows bulk food handlers to optimize their operations and make informed decisions to enhance food quality and reduce waste. Valuable insights into the remaining shelf life of fresh produce allow for planning logistics and distribution efficiently, reducing spoilage at the market or consumer level.

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Automated Control: By integrating with existing systems, SkoneLabs aims to automate adjustments to temperature, humidity, and ventilation based on real-time data and AI recommendations, ensuring optimal conditions to maintain high quality for each produce variety.

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What are some other relevant metrics of the company (customer quantity, team size, etc.)?

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Currently, we are piloting our solution with food banks and restaurant chains in Germany and France. We are going to pilot our solution with vertical/indoor farming facilities, fruit storage facilities, distribution centers, and retail stores soon. We are backed by leading food tech universities and research institutes in Germany for our R&D. We currently have 2 full-time team members and 1 part-time and are supported by 7 advisors.

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What are some goals in 2024 and beyond for SkoneLabs?

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SkoneLabs is on a mission to become the industry standard for food quality monitoring and waste reduction. Our ambitious goals for 2024 and beyond include:

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Broadening Market Reach: Expanding our customer base to include a wider range of food producers, including larger-scale operations and diverse industries.

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Deepening AI Expertise: Continuously refining our AI models and algorithms to enhance predictive accuracy and provide even more valuable insights to our customers.

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Expanding Applications: Exploring new applications for our sensor technology beyond food quality monitoring, such as asset tracking.

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How can people connect with you or learn more about SkoneLabs?

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To learn more about SkoneLabs and our mission to revolutionize food sustainability, visit our website: https://www.skonelabs.com/

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Follow us on social media for updates and industry insights:

- LinkedIn: https://de.linkedin.com/company/skonelabs

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Contact founders: 

- Sid: sid@skonelabs.com

- Nish: nish@skonelabs.com

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