Type of project
Building my own startup
What we did
Build a working prototype
Build a brand
Validated market opportunity
Participated in startup competitions
Creative team
Sjoerd Lageweg
Joep van Heesch
Period
Dec 2022 - sep 2024
The challenge of cooking outdoors is marked by several problems: the reliance on open fires, unstable bases, poor weather resistance, and the need to meet higher sustainability requirements. These existing solutions predominantly utilize gas, coal, and liquid fuels. Couldn't this be done differently?
My connection to the outdoors started the way it does for so many: family camping trips with my parents and sister. We were always cooking on a basic gas stove right on the site. Over the years, that routine sparked a simple but big question in my mind: Isn't this traditional method a little outdated? Could we do better?
When I met Joep van Heesch during my studies, we both shared a vision of the problem and immediately combined forces to work on it, which resulted in the startup, IN-DUC.
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Our journey
The IN-DUC journey began in December 2022, when Joep van Heesch and I joined forces with a shared goal: to revolutionize outdoor cooking. We initially set out to create a mobile cooking plate designed specifically for outdoor use, quickly recognizing that induction technology was the key to delivering on our promise of safety and efficiency.
Traction and user-centric design were paramount from day one. To ensure our solution truly met the needs of the market, we conducted extensive research, speaking with over 100 individuals about their camping habits and cooking pain points. This rigorous process of listening and iterating was essential, eventually allowing us to hone our unique value proposition and product specifications.
Product
IN-DUC redefines outdoor cooking by integrating advanced induction technology into a safe, portable, and sustainable solution. Born from the need to make cooking beyond the kitchen safer, more efficient, and more convenient, IN-DUC eliminates the need for open fires and outdated gas burners. It offers a clean, sustainable cooking experience for everyone—from family campers to outdoor enthusiasts.
Startup competitions
Roughly a year into development, we began focusing on securing external validation and support. The traction IN-DUC gained in the startup ecosystem provided invaluable exposure and access to a vital network:
Startup competitions: We proudly reached the finals of several prestigious competitions, including The Philips Innovation Awards 2024, the Gulliver 2024, and the TU Delft Impact Contest 2024. Also participated in Innofest 2024 where we presented our working prototype on the camping of the Dutch Festival Into The Great Wide Open.
Accelerator Programs: We were selected for the Yes!Delft Validation Lab 2024 batch, strengthening our business model, market strategy and traction.
Award program: We were selected for the finals of the kampeerawards for 'Most sustainable innovationconcept' in 2024.
Funding: Our innovative approach was recognized through key funding opportunities, including the Delft Energy Initiative fund, the Erasmus Enterprise grant, and the Delft Enterprises grant.
These accomplishments not only validated the market potential of IN-DUC but also provided the resources necessary to transition the concept from a prototype into a viable, market-ready product.
