How Real-World Operations Shaped the Koolpad™
When I first envisioned Koolpad in 2020, the problem was clear and persistent. iPads are quickly becoming the backbone of modern operations— designed to work within defined ambient temperature ranges, yet today’s field-based and high-volume environments often push devices beyond those limits. Overheating caused unexpected shutdowns. Cold weather drained batteries and slowed performance. And the industries that relied on iPads the most had limited reliable temperature-control solutions.
Read the original Koolpad origin story (2020–2021) on our Our Story page.-->
From an Idea to Protecting iPad Uptime (2021)
In 2021, Koolpad officially began as an idea rooted in one core objective: protecting iPad uptime in real-world operating environments.
Early Market Traction and Expansion Beyond QSRs (2022)
By 2022, that idea turned into real-world traction. We launched initial sales and immediately saw strong response—particularly within quick-service restaurants (QSRs). Operators clearly understood the cost of iPad downtime, and Koolpad quickly proved its value as a temperature-control companion for iPads.
What surprised me most was how rapidly demand expanded beyond QSRs.
Soon, Koolpad was being used across multiple industries, including:
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Quick-service oil change operations
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Field engineering teams
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Construction crews
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School check-in systems
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Rail and maintenance environments
Different industries. Same problem. The same need for reliability, uptime, and performance.
Building Koolpad While Raising a Family
During these early years, Koolpad did not have my full attention—and that was not due to lack of belief. I was raising a family, working full-time, and building Koolpad in the margins of early mornings, late nights, and weekends. Progress was steady, intentional, and grounded in real customer feedback.
Solving Cold Weather Performance With HotBrick™ (2024)
In January 2024, we addressed another major operational challenge: cold-weather performance.
The introduction of HotBrick™ extended Koolpad’s temperature-control capabilities into winter conditions, allowing iPads to perform reliably in freezing environments. This completed the temperature-control story and expanded Koolpad’s value across seasonal and geographic use cases.
A Turning Point for Koolpad™ (2025)
January 2025 marked a major shift.
As a new empty nester, I stepped away from my full-time role as a Marketing Director and transitioned to part-time work so I could intentionally focus more of my time and energy on Koolpad. That decision opened the door to something transformational: mentorship, guidance, and financial support.
Through the University of Toledo Business Incubator and MAGNET, a Manufacturing Advocacy Network in Cleveland, Ohio, everything accelerated.
This was the game changer.
With their support, I refined pitch decks, gathered meaningful market data, strengthened our traction story, and learned how to communicate Koolpad’s value clearly to investors and partners. I heard plenty of “no’s”—especially in a market heavily focused on AI investments rather than physical products—but each one sharpened the business.
In 2023, Koolpad earned 3rd place at the Pitch & Pour event hosted by the University of Toledo Business Incubator. In 2024, we completed our WBE certification, further strengthening our credibility and foundation.
Through the mentorship and belief of MAGNET’s New Ventures group, Koolpad was granted the opportunity that changed everything: investment support to move from a 3D-printed prototype to injection-molded tooling, along with a one-year runway to bring the next generation to market.
Listening, Learning, and Improving Through Customer Feedback
From 2022 onward, Koolpad evolved alongside our customers.
We began by supporting iPad Mini 4th and 5th generation, expanded to iPad Mini 6, then introduced Koolpad models for iPad 7th, 8th, and 9th generation. In 2024, we added Koolpad for iPad 10th and 11th generation.
Along the way, customer feedback was clear and invaluable:
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The brick compartment was sometimes too narrow
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3D-printed materials could snag brick packaging
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Occasional tearing allowed condensation to leak
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The closure required a coin or screwdriver, slowing brick swaps
We listened—and we redesigned everything.
The Next-Gen Koolpad Is Here! (2026)
Now in 2026, the Next-Gen Koolpad has arrived.
Designed specifically for iPad 10th and 11th generation, it reflects years of iteration, field testing, and real-world use. Key improvements include:
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A larger, easier-to-access brick compartment
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Smoother internal materials to eliminate snags
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Tear-resistant, sleek brick packaging (introduced Fall 2025)
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Improved durability with a less porous, fingerprint-resistant finish
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A one-handed, push-button closure for fast swaps
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Increased ruggedness and long-term usability
In a conducted Thermal Analysis, the new Koolpad reduced from 80-degree to 52-degrees in just five minutes.* Ideally, Koolpad prevents the iPad from ever reaching critical temperatures—but rapid recovery provides added confidence when conditions change.
*Apple iPad
Gratitude and What’s Ahead
I am incredibly grateful—to the mentors, partners, clients, and supporters who believed in this vision long before it was fully realized.
What started as a real-world observation of a pain point caused by operational shutdowns evolved into a purpose-driven solution—a companion—designed to keep iPads working where work actually happens.
As we move forward in 2026, growth is essential, but our mission remains unchanged: eliminate operational interruptions and keep iPads reliable in demanding environments.
If you use iPads in your business—or if you’re already using Koolpad—I would love to hear from you. Your feedback has shaped this product from day one, and it will continue to shape what comes next.
Thank you for being part of the journey.
~ Melinda Alic, Founder, Koolpad