🥬 How do you cut food waste, shelf by shelf, byte by byte?

In this episode, we talk with Sid, co-founder of Skonelabs, a startup tackling one of the most overlooked problems in our food systems: spoilage and waste.

Sid’s journey took him from a PhD in nanotechnology to research in green energy, innovation consulting, and finally, building a startup with his co-founder Nishit. Their startup uses smart sensors and AI agents to track freshness, monitor storage conditions, and extend shelf life in the supply chain—starting with food banks and scaling into major retailers.

💡 What’s inside:

• The real story behind the name "Skonelabs" (spoiler: it involves blueberry scones and a clever €5 domain hack)

• How one conversation at a sushi restaurant inspired their pivot

• Why “flipping the pyramid” changed how Sid talks to customers—and what every founder should know about communication

• What it's really like facing 100 rejections before your first “yes”

• Big dreams: cutting 10-20% of global food waste through transparency
  

📣 “Not everyone will take a bet on a half-baked product. But someone will. You just have to knock enough doors.”

🎧 Tune in to hear a story that’s as practical as it is inspiring. Whether you're building your own thing or just curious about the challenges of early-stage startups, this one's for you.

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

🌍 Not everyone starts with a business degree or a clear-cut plan. Some come from science, engineering, design—or even space exploration.

Some move to new countries, learning to navigate unfamiliar systems while building something of their own.

What unites them isn’t just ambition—it’s resilience, creativity, and the courage to challenge the status quo.

🎙 In this podcast, we talk to founders at every stage—from testing first ideas to leading groundbreaking companies.

They’re solving real problems: from interplanetary travel to fixing bureaucracy for expats or reducing food waste with smart sensors.

Their stories prove: entrepreneurship isn’t just for those who planned for it.

It’s for anyone with a vision and the determination to make it real.

ABOUT START Munich:

START Munich is the largest independent student initiative focused on entrepreneurship in Munich. Founded in 2003, it brings together a new generation of entrepreneurs and offers direct access to the startup world. With over 450 active members, START Munich has been the launchpad for successful startups like Freeletics, IDnow, and Trade Republic.

Through a vibrant community, hands-on events, workshops, and team-driven projects, START Munich helps students gain the skills, experience, and connections they need to turn ideas into real ventures.

Whether you're just starting out or already deep into your entrepreneurial journey, START Munich is your space to grow, build, and connect.

👉 Learn more at startmunich.de