(NTI) : Founded by Satheshkumar S, the Chennai-based startup KitOSys has developed iKichn (Intelligent Kitchen), the world’s first multi-cuisine automation machine, capable of preparing meals for 50 to 500 people. Emphasizing the benefits of iKichn for commercial enterprises, especially small and medium-sized food businesses, Satheshkumar highlighted the significant challenge of maintaining quality manpower. Market studies reveal that at least 70% of businesses fail within their first year, with another 20% failing within five years. The difficulty in retaining skilled workers makes it challenging to justify unit economics, prompting many businesses to turn to automation to scale operations and increase volume. However, small businesses often struggle to sustain and manage this transition.
“This is where iKichn can be incredibly beneficial, offering profitability and reducing reliance on manpower at a relatively lower investment,” explained Satheshkumar, founder of KitOSys, in an exclusive interview with Startup Pedia. “While manpower turnover is continuous, ensuring consistency in taste and availability can enhance business sustainability compared to traditional, manpower-dependent operations.”
Chef Deepak Shirur, formerly with Taj and Oberoi Hotels and now CEO of Touchpoint Gourmet Consultants, praised the innovation, stating, “I am 200% sure your solutions will be the new wave in cooking for the food industry—totally visionary and futuristic.”
Reflecting on the origins of iKichn, Satheshkumar shared with Startup Pedia, “Around 2005, I envisioned a kitchen solution to ease my wife’s workload and empower individuals to maintain their dietary preferences, no matter where they are. Although the idea wasn’t fully formed, it became an obsession.”
Genesis of iKichn
The concept began to take shape in 2015. Motivated by his struggles with IBD and a desire to help others avoid similar challenges, Satheshkumar, leveraging his expertise in automation engineering, extensively researched the idea of a fully automatic kitchen. In 2016, he founded Food Printer, a Chennai-based startup, later rebranded as KitOSys, to bring this idea to life. The name aptly reflects its purpose—a Kitchen Operating System.
After years of development and countless hours of work, Satheshkumar and his team unveiled the iKichn home prototype in 2019—a robotic culinary marvel allowing users to input ingredients and command the kitchen to prepare various dishes without human intervention.
iKichn for Home
Initially designed as a smart modular kitchen for residential use, the prototype excelled at cooking South Indian delicacies like idli, sambar, and rice dishes, as well as hot beverages like tea and coffee. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted their plans for a residential launch, prompting the startup to pivot toward a commercial model.
“After evaluating the residential market, we realized the timing wasn’t right for India, so we shifted our focus to developing a commercial automatic kitchen,” Satheshkumar explained during the interview.
iKichn Prototype
After three years of intensive development, the commercial prototype of iKichn is now ready for market entry. Capable of serving 50 to 500 people simultaneously, the stainless steel kitchen can fit into a minimum area of 2 meters by 2 meters, expandable up to 7 meters by 2 meters if necessary.
Recognized as a NITI Aayog Atmanirbhar Innovation Challenge 1.0 national awardee in 2021, a top 15 Cohort startup in South Asia by Stanford SEED in 2023, and a Startup World Cup Semi-Finalist in Singapore, iKichn represents a significant investment. Satheshkumar has invested Rs. 3-4 crores of his personal savings into its development.
The Journey and Vision
The 50-year-old entrepreneur, driven by his passion for automation in the kitchen, began working on this startup while holding a full-time job. With over three decades of experience in automation engineering and additional qualifications from institutions like MIT Sloan and Columbia Business School, Satheshkumar aims to sell over 100 products in the upcoming fiscal year (FY-26) and achieve revenue between Rs. 50-100 crores.
The startup, which started with eight full-time employees, has expanded to 14 part-time employees, adopting a low-cost operational model by leveraging freelance talent. Its headquarters and workshop, spanning 1,500 square feet, serve as the nerve center for KitOSys operations.
