Case Study - Aurea Technologies Inc.

​Introduction
Aurea Technologies Inc. (Aurea) is the company behind the Shine Turbine, a portable wind turbine charger for handheld electronics. Aurea's mission is to provide clean energy independence and Shine’s patent-pending technology creates energy faster than any other portable renewable product currently on the market. The Shine Turbine is the first of a series of renewable microgrid products created by Aurea, to provide users freedom from the electrical grid. Aurea had created a working prototype of the Shine Turbine, but as a start-up, they were looking for guidance to establish their supply chain in preparation for production.

Challenge
Berlin KraftWorks Inc. (BKW) was contracted to assist Aurea with achieving logistical goals, including advising on:

• Certain aspects of logistical and engineering related contracts and agreements
• Suppliers and certifications of the product's packaging – the carton, eco designs, shipping box, and internal protective packaging
• All documentation to accompany the product – the turbine's warranty statement, return policy, technical manual, and user manual
• How to best ship and export the product across Canada and the US - customs, tariffs, transport providers
• Required specifications and certifications for the consumer device

In order to achieve these goals, BKW set up a series of meetings which would allow the Aurea team discuss each item and the BKW team would explain how things typically worked and would make recommendations based on Aurea’s needs. BKW was also able to connect the Aurea team with other people and organizations that could provide specific insights for their product.

BKW takes a holistic approach to all projects, and while the goal with Aurea initially was focused on building their supply chain, BKW was also able to provide engineering support. BKW reviewed Aurea’s engineering contract, provided guidance for proper technical design reviews, and injection moulding best practices.

Finally, BKW was able to help Aurea navigate audit requirements for international retailers and partners. This will enable Aurea to be approved/qualified vendors which will allow them to sell the Shine Turbine through multiple retail channels.

Results
BKW and Aurea worked through all of the logistical requirements before production. “Matt was an extremely valuable sounding board and instrumental in helping us navigate the entire logistical process of launching a first product. There were obstacles we hadn’t experienced before and knew we needed expert advice to steer us in the right direction. Now after working with the BKW team, we are well prepared to start production and get the Shine Turbine into the hands of our customers,” said Rachel Carr, Chief Marketing Officer with Aurea.  ​​

Future Plans
Aurea is currently finalizing the Shine Turbine technical design and preparing to launch directly to consumers through Kickstarter. The Kickstarter campaign launched in June 2021, it will be a 1-month campaign with a goal of selling 500-1000 units to backers. Once the campaign is over Aurea expects to have the final product in the backers’ hands within 3 months and then they will transition to selling the Shine Turbine through retail channels. The initial goal is to be set up to produce and ship 500-1000 units per quarter.