Akshita Iyer, Founder and CEO of Ome, transitioned from neuroscience to entrepreneurship after a kitchen fire incident, leading to Ome's creation, focusing on smart home kitchen innovation.
Ome introduced the Smart Knob, enhancing kitchen safety and automation, with Iyer contributing to safety standards through the UL 858 Technical Committee.
Ome's Smart Knob offers real-time control, automatic shut-off, and voice integration for gas and electric stoves, aiming to prevent kitchen fires and provide hands-free operation.
Iyer's journey involved challenges like fundraising as a first-time entrepreneur and adapting during the pandemic, shaping Ome's resilience and customer-centric approach.
The Ome Smart Knob transforms stoves into smart appliances, emphasizing safety features like automatic shut-off and voice control, striving for a connected kitchen experience.
Ome focuses on 'ambient intelligence,' ensuring technology enhances lives subtly and proactively intervenes when necessary, moving beyond app-centric smart home solutions.
Ome's emphasis on simplicity, trust, and practicality sets it apart in the smart kitchen gadget market, prioritizing intuitive designs that add real value without unnecessary complexity.
Iyer highlights the importance of building tech that addresses genuine needs effortlessly, contrasting with the trend of over-engineering and emphasizing user-friendly solutions.
Being part of the UL 858 Technical Committee impacts Ome's safety-focused decisions, prioritizing intentional use and real-world safety over flashy features in product development.
Ome's retrofit solution instead of new smart appliances aligns with sustainability goals, extending appliance life and reducing waste, while offering a practical, accessible upgrade option.
In the future smart home landscape, Iyer predicts a shift to AI-driven intelligent homes focusing on ambient, intuitive technology that blends seamlessly for enhanced living experiences.