Hello & happy new year, dear best backers!\xa0
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Whew, 2023 was quite a ride. Maybe some of you feel the same way, but we're really looking forward to a fresh new year. A year that starts with a big update.\xa0
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New timeline: soilkind's delivery planned in September 2024\xa0
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New year - new timeline. We would like to share an updated timeline with you in our first update of 2024.\xa0
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Our delivery date for this year has been set and is expected to be in September 2024.
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Sometimes it's so much easier than it seems\xa0\xa0
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As we shared with you in our last update, we carried out a long-term field test with some of our composters over the Christmas holidays.\xa0
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We recycled regular organic waste in soilkind and came across a challenge that we have been working on intensively over the last few weeks: Some of the mixing elements do not always work the way we want them to and the final composting process does not yet meet our quality standards 100%.\xa0
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This is why we have started to revise the mixing elements again in recent weeks and have made final improvements. In addition to optimizing and revising the mixing elements, we have also taken the time to carry out a detailed data evaluation of the devices for safety reasons.\xa0
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Our test composters are equipped with state-of-the-art data loggers. During the intensive data analysis, we came across a relevant software bug that causes an error in the control of the motors - and which is also related to the activity / movement of the mixing elements.\xa0
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The good thing about software errors is that we can fix them quickly and we are currently in the middle of a software update. This gives us the green light for final production.\xa0
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soilkind: One of a kind!\xa0
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Something we should keep in mind: Almost all of our individual parts, far more than 200 of them, as well as our software come from our own development, so there are no reference parts or standard programming that we could have used. The soilkind concept is new and fresh, so to speak: composting kitchen scraps from scratch. Unfortunately, this can mean that challenges emerge that cannot be planned beforehand. But we have a new roadmap.\xa0
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Stalking soilkind\xa0
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We are currently in the process of fixing the software error and then starting a new intensive test - here we are testing with extensive use and the usage of private organic waste under laboratory conditions. This also involves 48 hours of camera observation of the inside so that we can screen everything. We then evaluate all the video material.\xa0
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This is followed by another one-month field test in our immediate surroundings. But let's take a closer look at the current timeline.
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It's about time - timeline details\xa0
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We try to take you through the next few months as closely and transparently as possible. That's why we've put together an up-to-date timeline to show you in detail what we can expect in the coming months:\xa0
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January+February:\xa0Two-week intensive test + camera evaluation\xa0\xa0
March:\xa0One-month field test in our environment\xa0
April:\xa0Order final tools\xa0
May + June:\xa0Finalize production & produce 0-series for our backers\xa0
July + August:\xa0Finalize 0-series
September:Shipping the first devices to our backers\xa0
October:\xa0Continue production & open online shop\xa0
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New little milestones\xa0
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A few weeks ago, together with Dekra in Italy, we took a close look at our composter and successfully completed the electronic approval tests, which now paves the way for final certification.\xa0
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We are in the final planning stages for our big product shoot and are really looking forward to it. We've found a brilliant location and put together a great team.
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In addition, the device and app communicated reliably during all tests, so our connectivity is working as planned. We are currently still adjusting the frequency of notifications. The question here is: How much do you want to be involved via the notifications? As often as possible, i.e. about as many steps as possible, or rather more selectively?\xa0\xa0
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soilkind - the new standard in kitchen composting\xa0\xa0
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Due to the many years of development and the high-quality workmanship of all our individual parts, we can now also set a price range for the devices that will be officially sold via our online store once our 0 series has been shipped.\xa0
A pretty solid update. We hope that our lines have given you a better overview and also a feeling of optimism?\xa0
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We'll keep you posted with as many details and insights as possible. Please let us know if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing your thoughts!\xa0
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Thank you for being there and moving forward with us into 2024. A 2024 in which we finally take off with soilkind.\xa0
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Best regards to you
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Marina & the soilkind team