Edinburgh innovator launches smart kettle

An Edinburgh-based smart appliances start-up has launched its Smart Wi-Fi Kettle in the UK, amid plans to create more internet-connected home products.
By Emma Newlands
Published 5th Aug 2020, 16:45 BST
Updated 5th Aug 2020, 17:15 BST
The kettle is the first product brought to market by WeeKett chief executive Chunli Zhang. Picture: contributed.The kettle is the first product brought to market by WeeKett chief executive Chunli Zhang. Picture: contributed.
The kettle is the first product brought to market by WeeKett chief executive Chunli Zhang. Picture: contributed.

WeeKett said that with inbuilt Wi-Fi connectivity, the kettle harnesses the “internet of things” (IoT), allowing users to put it on and control its temperature remotely via a mobile app or smart speakers such as the Amazon Echo and Google Home.

Users can schedule the kettle to boil in advance or set it to their temperature of choice, while it has an inbuilt “baby-bottle” mode. It is the first product brought to market by the firm’s founder and chief executive, University of Edinburgh graduate Chunli Zhang.

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Zhang said: “I’m excited to launch this game-changing smart kettle – the kettle that’s ready whenever you are. For new parents, there is the convenience of the baby-bottle mode, and we have had great feedback from people with mobility issues who love being able to switch on the kettle from another room.

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“IoT technology is such an incredibly exciting development, with the potential to not only save time with simple tasks, but to make our lives easier too.”

Al Bryce, business growth advisor at Business Gateway Edinburgh, who provided support to WeeKett through the company’s early stages of development, said: “It was great to work alongside Chunli as she looked to turn her innovative business idea and passion for technological solutions into an exciting new product for the UK market. We look forward to seeing what future products WeeKett has in the pipeline.”

Scottish Enterprise innovation specialist Thea Ni Lionnain said: “I’ve worked with Chunli and WeeKett since the concept stage of their smart kettle, so it’s an absolute pleasure to see the finished product now launched. Through our innovation specialist service, we were able to connect the business with Scottish design agencies, and our intellectual property team supported the business with an IP audit.

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"We also supported the business with the acquisition of a By Design grant to help create a prototype. With such an innovative and practical product, we’re sure the company will continue to grow and flourish in the world of IoT technology.”

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