In a thrilling competition featuring a record 23 teams, Solderix, a Croatian startup led by Ante Medić, has secured its place at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. The team’s innovative product, designed to simplify electromechanical prototyping, impressed an expert jury, marking them as the Idea Knockout 2024 champions.
Revolutionary Prototyping System
Solderix’s winning product allows for the easy and efficient creation of electromechanical prototypes, providing a Lego-like approach to electronic development. This system significantly reduces the complexity and time required to connect essential components like printed circuit boards, resistors, and capacitors, offering developers a streamlined path from concept to functional prototype.
“Our goal is to create a simple and efficient system that eliminates the complexities of hardware development,” said Ante Medić, project initiator. “This system is especially beneficial for educational purposes in STEM fields, where hands-on development is crucial.”
A Springboard to Global Success
Winning the Idea Knockout secures Solderix’s participation in CES, the world’s largest consumer electronics show, where they hope to attract global attention. Medić envisions CES as a springboard for their product to be featured on store shelves worldwide.
“We’re excited about the opportunities CES can provide. It’s an incredible platform for innovative tech solutions, and we believe our system can make a significant impact on both the educational and industrial sectors,” added Medić.
Solderix’s Innovative Journey
Solderix isn’t Medić’s first success story. As the founder of Pulsar Labs, he has already developed more than 60,000 devices globally, including Sportreact, a popular reaction training tool, and Cro Cube, Croatia’s first satellite, soon to be launched into orbit.
This innovation has attracted substantial attention, prompting Solderix to file patents for their system in both the U.S. and European markets. “We’ve filed for a patent in the U.S. and are awaiting European approval. This will provide additional protection and confidence as we enter the global market,” Medić explained.
Robots, AI, and a Vision for the Future
The Idea Knockout 2024 wasn’t short on other exciting innovations. DOTYOUR SPOT, the runner-up, has developed a system to assist restaurateurs in managing reservations and monitoring occupancy with ease. Hartera Robotics, which secured third place, presented Carpathia, a robot designed to automate and enhance the process of ship hull maintenance.
In addition, the AISight project received the Kickstart Award from Studenac Digital, earning €1,000 for its innovative solution aimed at improving the lives of blind and partially sighted people by allowing them to recognize objects, colors, faces, and even emotions.
Croatia’s Rising Tech Scene
As the Croatian tech ecosystem continues to grow, Solderix’s win highlights the country’s potential to produce world-class hardware innovations. With CES 2025 on the horizon, this innovative startup is poised to make a significant mark on the global stage, bringing Croatia’s technological advancements into the spotlight.
