Inga Kovačić Sindik: Crystal Idea is preparing a device that will ensure ‘crystal’ air in cities

Before founding the company Crystal Idea in 2013 for research, development, and application of advanced and alternative technologies for the preservation of water, air, and the environment, Inga Kovačić Sindik, an entrepreneur from Split, a graduate engineer of chemical technology and a master’s degree holder in analytical chemistry, worked in several companies as a head of research and development of new technologies and materials, as well as a water and air purification technologist. Innovations have always been her passion, and she is internationally known for the invention of the smart air purification technology iTherapy, for which she was named the best innovator in Europe in 2018, and the iTherapy device has received numerous global recognitions and awards at innovation fairs.

Market Penetration

The air purifier iTherapy is a modular and intuitive technology that connects and synchronizes the operation of eleven technologies that jointly control, monitor, and purify the air from the majority of pollutants in the space. The device is designed to detect air pollutants within 30 seconds and initiate the air purification and sterilization process. This is not the only product of Crystal Idea; there are several, and they are sold in both domestic and foreign markets.

– We have already covered the national and European markets quite well, and we are in the process of expanding into North America and the Middle East. Our products have found themselves at the right time in the right place on a global level, so from 2019, when we started marketing them, to 2020, sales revenue grew by 600 percent. Based on current sales results, we expect at least a 50 percent growth by the end of 2021 compared to last year. I am satisfied with the development of the situation because in 2020, compared to the year before, we also increased export revenue by 300 percent. The largest part, 60 percent of that revenue, was achieved through a network of distributors, while 10 percent comes from franchises and 30 percent from direct sales – explains Kovačić Sindik.

Crystal Idea achieved revenue of over 1.6 million kuna last year, operated profitably, had five employees, and this year it has ten, with the most jobs created in the last two years.

The Hardest Part is the Beginning

Kovačić Sindik emphasizes that it took two years from the idea to the realization of the iTherapy product, after which the commercialization process began with presentations at international innovation fairs, as well as a series of B2B meetings and contacts.

– At that time, there were not enough financial resources, but although we worked on the edge of sustainability, I managed to maintain faith and motivation that I could carry it through to the end. The development of the iTherapy technology is measured in tens of thousands of euros, but after that, the development of our new products costs significantly less because we have developed infrastructure, tools, machines, suppliers, and skilled personnel. It is difficult to calculate how much has been spent over the years on developing the idea to market placement since there is one important segment that we never account for, which is our own effort, constant dedication to work without weekends, holidays, or vacations. If I were to start calculating that, I am sure no bank would be satisfied with such a high cost in the business plan – emphasizes Kovačić Sindik.

Unlike the innovative ideas that she never lacks, financial resources for their realization are always lacking. Crystal Idea finances most of its research and product development projects from its own funds, often balancing between sustainability and priorities. There was some money from European funds, but it was small amounts. However, Kovačić Sindik emphasizes that even that money was extremely important as it enabled them to develop two generations of filters, certify the devices, and participate in international fairs.

Open to Investors

– We have just opened the investment phase for further development, especially the development of the Smart wall, so we are open to investment offers and the entry of investors into the company – notes Kovačić Sindik, whose mission is to contribute to the effective reduction of the ecological footprint on a global level through innovations, patents, and products.

– Given that I have worked in several expert-scientific teams during my career where we had project goals not only to research a process or examine a problem, but the task was also to find a solution that could later be marketed, the idea came to me to organize a multipurpose expert team modeled after military intervention teams that would be mentally and operationally capable of quickly engaging in addressing specific problems related to water, air, and the environment. Based on that idea, from the first days of the company’s existence, I established the Department for Research, Development, and Technical Operations, and today, after seven years of existence, I can boast of a larger number of collaborators who have been involved in various projects as well as collaboration with the University of Split, which has not coincidentally ranked 21st on the WURI list as one of the most innovative universities – emphasizes Kovačić Sindik.

In recent years, she and her employees have focused on air pollution problems in indoor and outdoor spaces and have published several studies on the subject. Part of that research was conducted for printing houses, cafes, and restaurants, and during the pandemic, they also examined air quality in dental offices. An important part of the research was also conducted within toll booths on highways, and they investigated air quality in outdoor and indoor parking lots… They then developed a project solution with a proposal to reduce specific pollutants and increase air quality.

Domestic Intelligence in Action

In addition to custom design and execution, Crystal Idea produces its own purification devices and filters, of which there are several models; for general purification, for space sterilization, for mini spaces, for agro-industry, and for schools and larger spaces. In the end, there is the Duo model and air quality meters. All these devices and products of Crystal Idea have received the HGK ‘Original Croatian Product’ certificate. However, all are made from imported parts that are not available on the domestic market.

– The Patron, Duo, and ECO models are based on smart information techniques and represent the highest technological level. At the same time, we have the production of modular ozonators that we make on demand and in collaboration with industry partners for their individual needs – explains Kovačić Sindik, emphasizing that the products of Crystal Idea, except for one, have no competition in the domestic market, but also beyond.

– All our products, except for one, along with design, offering individual solutions, research and development of new filters, smart materials, and our own air quality meters, are unlikely to have competition, at least in the domestic market. iTherapy is not just devices and technology; it is also iTherapy Vision – emphasizes Kovačić Sindik.

A New Ambitious Project

Currently, one of the most important new projects, the Smart city wall, is in the realization phase, an information-membrane structure focused on the direct reduction of outdoor air pollutants in urban environments in real-time continuously at the source of their occurrence and aimed at reducing emissions from cars and other vehicles. The completion of the development of this project is planned for spring 2022, and it aims to enter every city on a global level.

– Long-term plans are very ambitious and move in the direction of a ‘complete solution’ for air purification, both indoor and outdoor, which will also include solutions for transoceanic ships and cruise ships as well as passenger and transport aircraft. There will be a lot of deep technology that goes deeper and deeper to the nanoscale in the development of smart, self-sustaining, and self-learning materials that are directly placed for the purpose of purification and informing, which serve for the benefit of all civilization – announces Kovačić Sindik.

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