When Šimon Falta saw his father checking spot electricity prices daily and planning when to turn on the boiler or heating, he had an idea. Combining his interests in programming and his family’s need for more efficient electricity management, this was the first step towards creating the IQstat app. “I created a small program that automatically read spot prices and decided when to turn on which appliance,” says Šimon Falta. A little later, he invited his high school classmate Šimon Kala, a talented programmer, to join him, who became the CTO and co-founder of the project.

IQstat solves current problems related to optimizing electricity consumption. As its founder explains, existing solutions were either too expensive or complicated to use. “Our goal is to create a product that is affordable and easy to use, suitable for ordinary households,” he summarizes. 

Worry-free research 

The main advantage of IQstat is its ability to control home appliances based on current electricity prices and photovoltaic data, without the user having to check anything. “IQstat collects data on spot prices, photovoltaic production, weather forecasts and other factors. Based on this, it determines the most appropriate times to turn on appliances,” explains Falta. Appliances are controlled automatically via smart relays and sockets, allowing households to save money without compromising on comfort. 

The service also includes a consultation, during which the IQstat team will propose the optimal solution to the customer and, if necessary, ensure the installation of smart devices. 

"The startup environment is incredibly friendly. The vast majority of founders will be happy to help you because they know how hard it is to change something"

Business incubator as a springboard 

A valuable support on the path of IQstat's development was business incubator of the Innovation Center of the Ústí nad Labem Region. “It was an opportunity for us to get back to basics and clarify our priorities. Thanks to consultations with experts in law, accounting, and marketing, we were able to focus on what was really important – effectively solving customer problems,” explains Falta. One of the key moments was the consultation on marketing. “That’s when I realized how many things we were doing wrong. I immediately redesigned the website,” he recalls. For both founders, the incubator was also an opportunity to meet inspiring innovators and gain practical skills that they are now using in the further development of their product. “We would definitely recommend the incubator to any startup that wants to succeed,” concludes Šimon Falta with conviction. 

Startup IQstat became the winner of our final competition Grilling startups in the Startup Go Grill competition.

Inspiration for budding startups 

Šimon Falta emphasizes how important it is for budding entrepreneurs to seek advice and be patient. “The startup environment is incredibly friendly. The vast majority of founders will be happy to help you because they know how hard it is to change something,” he says, adding that the road to success is long and full of obstacles. “If you are solving a real problem, customers will come to you over time.” 

IQstat is an example of how innovative ideas can bring practical solutions to everyday problems. And although the team currently consists of only two founders and a few part-time workers, their ambition and energy promise them a brighter future. “Anyone who would like to join us should contact us. We need people who will share our goals with us,” concludes Šimon Falta.