Aug 25, 2014 8 Questions With: Augustas Alesiunas / Peres
I am always intrigued by new technologies that can improve quality of life. PERES is the world’s first portable “electronic nose” – a unique and innovative device and mobile application which enables users to determine the quality and freshness of pork, beef, chicken and fish. It is designed to detect whether a product is fresh, hazardous to health, or at risk of food poisoning. The device has temperature, humidity, ammonia, and volatile organic compound sensors that work in conjunction with a smartphone and tablet app to scan the food item in question (without having to actually come in contact with it). PERES recently realized a successful fundraising campaign on Indiegogo and is off to a strong start.
We talked with Augustas Alesiunas, CEO of Peres to understand the process his team has gone through to bring this concept to life. Augustas is also President of SmartIT Cluster, a Lithuanian company that was established in 2008 to develop integrated and innovative IT solutions for the agricultural, food, energy and banking sectors. Augustas actively contributes to the search and realization of innovations and new solutions for making the agricultural sector even more efficient and modernized. Augustas has received the nomination of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Lithuania “Young successful entrepreneur” in 2011, and his focus and ambition are illustrated with PERES.
Describe the concept inspiration for PERES and your original vision.
A year ago, my wife had a serious food poisoning case, after which I started to search for different technologies that could help every family reduce food poisoning risks to a minimum.
What global impact do feel PERES will have, and where do you hope to take it in the near / long-term future?
Firstly, PERES presents the possibility for people to live safer and eat only fresh, unspoiled food. Secondly, PERES fights the food waste issue globally by helping people verify if items are still safe enough to eat.
Describe the research, design, testing, and development of the product.
We started by choosing accurate and feasible technologies, and we arrived at MOS (Metal oxide gas sensors). Then we spent almost one year in laboratories, conducting extensive research to identify at what level food is no longer safe to use. Later on, we were in the design process and commercialization for mass production, which took about 5 months, and I’m proud that PERES will be able to launch in June.
What insights and lessons can you share so far – in terms of challenges/risks?
The highest risk is in the beginning, when you only have an idea and desire to bring a new technology and product to life.
How effective was Indiegogo in your fundraising, PR, and launch?
We have collected $77,000 USD during our Indiegogo campaign, and I am very thankful to our PR partners PRMediaNow. The biggest success was when we went to the USA and did a lot of live demos for such companies as NBC, USA Today, Channel 4, New York news outlets, etc.
What does your typical day look like as a leader for PERES and Smart IT Cluster?
Every day is completely different and challenging. I try to focus all of my attention on how to go forward with our products, R&D activities, and market expansion. I have a wonderful and trustful team, and without them – nothing would be possible.
What are you currently reading?
Khaled Hosseini, And the Mountains Echoed.
Where do you personally find inspiration?
Family, active lifestyle (kitesurfing, hunting), all new projects, I just love them.
