Upliance.ai: Revolutionising Indian Kitchens with AI

Artificial intelligence is changing the landscape of coding, work, and creativity. Upliance.ai, a startup based in Bengaluru and co-founded by CEO Mahek Mody, seeks to introduce this transformation to Indian kitchens. The company is confident that its premier smart cooking device can radically alter how families engage in food preparation.

In a conversation with Startup Superb, Mody shared that the idea was sparked by the intricate nature of Indian cooking. The extensive knowledge required to cook traditional Indian dishes is considerable. Mody pointed out that mastering the preparation of dal can take a significant amount of time. He compared this to the way AI now aids in developing complex computer code, compressing years of expertise into mere moments. Upliance.ai strives to achieve similar proficiency in culinary skills, giving users the assurance to cook various dishes at any moment.

The Two Brains of the Operation

At the core of Upliance 2.O lie two distinct AI systems. The first is a sensor-based intelligence that oversees the physical cooking process. It automatically adjusts cooking time and heat based on real-time data, a feature that stemmed from initial user feedback.

Mody illustrated this with an instance involving white sauce pasta, which was either perfect or undercooked. The team identified that the variable influencing this was the temperature of the milk being added. If the milk was cold, it took longer to cook. The appliance now detects this drop in temperature and extends cooking time accordingly, ensuring optimal results every time. This adaptive technology, supported by four patents, also permits the appliance to chop a single clove of garlic or adapt the heating process to prevent food from sticking, modulating up to 80 times per second.

The second AI system is a generative model that functions as a “Master Chef Persona for food,” according to Mody. Users can simply share a YouTube link or copy and paste a recipe into the companion app. The AI comprehends the recipe, validates it against its extensive knowledge base, and translates traditional cooking methods into specific commands for the appliance. This has resulted in a growing collection of over 750 recipes, with many being created by users themselves.

From User Feedback to a Faster, Sleeker Gen 2

The startup recently introduced its second-generation model, evolving directly from lessons learned with the initial product. The new Upliance 2.O, retailing at ₹39,999, offers a 40% reduction in cooking time, thanks to a more efficient heater and improved electronics.

Mody acknowledged that the early models leaned towards longer cooking times. However, they discovered that users preferred quicker results. The improvement wasn’t limited to power; it also involved a complete upgrade of the hardware for enhanced heat management, waterproofing, and safety features. In response to user requests for visibility during cooking, a transparent glass lid has now replaced the opaque one from the first generation.

The software has advanced to ‘Kitchen OS 2’, utilising parametric models for recipes. Previously, a recipe could only be adjusted for a fixed number of servings. Now, if users double the water amount, the cooking time adapts accordingly, reflecting all necessary adjustments.

Beyond Tier 1: A Recipe for Growth

Although the Upliance 2.O is a premium offering, Mody maintains that price isn’t the main barrier. Their goal is to create a new category of kitchen appliances, and success hinges on how effectively they communicate their capabilities and build trust with potential customers.

Interestingly, approximately 24% of their sales originate from Tier 2 cities. This growth is bolstered by effective digital marketing and strong word-of-mouth recommendations, with users eagerly sharing the product with family and neighbours. The company is now concentrating on customising their recipe selections to suit local preferences, such as developing specific Jain and sweeter curry recipes for increasing demand in places like Surat.

Looking forward, Upliance.ai envisions expanding into other home appliance categories beyond cooking. For the time being, their flagship cooker remains the focal point, and Mody confirmed that the first generation model will continue to be available and receive software enhancements. He emphasised the intention to maintain a long-term relationship with customers, ensuring they benefit from ongoing upgrades after purchase.