Today, the assessment of food freshness is based on expiration dates, subjective impressions, or costly laboratory analyses. This leads to uncertainty, disposal, and losses along the entire value chain. Our idea addresses this problem by enabling an objective, fast, and on-site assessment of freshness. The goal is to facilitate informed decisions for consumers and businesses and to sustainably reduce food waste.
The future of freshness measurement - objective freshness assessment along the entire value chain - for health and the environment.
FreshX Technology develops different solutions for the objective assessment of freshness of sensitive foods such as meat and fish. The applications for end consumers and for professional users are designed separately and each address specific requirements and usage scenarios.
In the consumer segment, the focus is on supporting the assessment of the actual edibility of foods in the household. The goal is to reduce uncertainty after purchase and to enable informed decisions beyond expiration dates or subjective perception, in order to protect both health and the environment.
For companies, retailers, and institutions, FreshX Technology develops independent systems tailored to professional quality requirements. These solutions enable an objective and reproducible assessment of food quality directly within operational environments. The aim is to reduce misjudgments, minimize write-offs, avoid recalls and safety risks at an early stage, and make quality-related processes more efficient and transparent.
Both approaches are the subject of separate protection and patent applications. FreshX Technology thus aims to make scientifically grounded freshness assessment available across different fields of application while simultaneously improving economic and ecological outcomes along the food value chain.
How did you get together as a team?
Behind FreshX Technology is an interdisciplinary team with diverse professional backgrounds that shares the common goal of developing scientifically grounded solutions to real-world problems.
The original idea as well as the technical development of the device originate from Patrick Peter. As a physicist, he conceived the approach and developed the first prototypes. As the project progressed, it became clear that biological expertise is indispensable for the assessment of food quality and freshness.
With Torben Rieger, this crucial competence became part of the team. We have known each other for several years through playing hockey together. Torben studies Molecular Biomedicine and was able to systematically classify and further develop the biological questions, particularly in the context of microbiological and biochemical processes. This makes him an ideal substantive complement to the project.
How did you come up with your idea?
The idea for FreshX Technology emerged in August 2024 from a concrete everyday situation. Within one week, Patrick Peter had to dispose of around ten kilograms of chicken twice, as there was uncertainty about the actual freshness despite a valid expiration date. The meat smelled normal but showed visual changes that did not allow for a clear decision.
In searching for a simple and reliable way to objectively assess freshness, it quickly became clear that there is no practical solution for such situations. Decisions are either based on subjective impressions or on complex laboratory analyses that are not applicable in everyday life.
When it soon became apparent that this problem was not an isolated case, the decision was made to develop a solution independently. Drawing on his background in physics, Patrick Peter began to systematically explore measurable indicators of food quality. After approximately six months of intensive development work, a first viable approach emerged, forming the basis for the further development of FreshX Technology.
What are you studying/working or what have you studied?
Patrick Peter holds a master’s degree in Physics and Sports. In addition to his scientific education, he has entrepreneurial experience and has already successfully founded a company. He is the founder and managing director of Titangrip, Europe’s largest online shop for grip strength, strength training, and armwrestling equipment. There, he is responsible for the strategic direction of the company as well as its technical and conceptual development.
Torben Rieger is currently studying Molecular Biomedicine at the bachelor’s level and works in a laboratory in parallel. His focus is on biological, microbiological, and biochemical topics, particularly in an experimental setting. He applies this practical laboratory experience directly to the development and evaluation of the biological aspects of FreshX Technology.
Funfact about your team or your start-up
The name FreshX Technology emerged very early in the project and was more spontaneous than planned. At a time when no company name had yet been decided, we were asked about it at short notice. Shortly before, we had been talking about SpaceX, and in that moment the name “FreshX” came up. When it later turned out that “FreshX” was already taken, we decided on the name FreshX Technology. What initially emerged out of necessity has since become a core part of our identity.
How has Gateway helped you? Why would you recommend us?
The Gateway provided decisive support at an early stage of our journey. Particularly helpful were the experienced coaches in various areas, ranging from corporate management and funding opportunities to IP and patent law. Within the incubator programs, key entrepreneurial questions were addressed in a structured and practice-oriented manner, which helped us strategically further develop our idea and critically reflect on it.
In addition, the Gateway enabled valuable connections within the university as well as access to relevant networks. A particular highlight was the Golden Ticket for the final of the Brightlands Startup Contest in Maastricht, which gave us increased visibility and valuable feedback at an international level. We would recommend the Gateway again and again, as it combines professional depth with hands-on support and specifically guides founding teams through the transition from idea to startup.