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TurtleShell Tableware

An assistive microwave tray for people with limited hand mobility.

Co-founded startup, Northwestern's Garage · January – December 2025 · Three founders

  • TurtleShell tray, turntable render
    tray turntable
  • CoolTray prototype inside a microwave: a white ring frame with spokes holds a blue bowl, with a cup of instant noodles in the bowl.
    prototype in the microwave
  • Two hands lifting the CoolTray prototype by its white ring handles, a blue bowl with a cup of instant noodles seated in the center.
    carrying the prototype
  • The three TurtleShell founders goofing around at their trade show booth under a 'Making microwaving easy' banner, one wearing a tray prototype as a hat, flyers on the table in front.
    trade show booth

What it is

Adaptive tableware: a tray designed so people with limited grip and mobility can heat and carry food safely.

My role

Co-founder. I took the tray from Fusion 360 CAD to physical prototypes and led customer discovery.

Result

100+

100+ customer conversations, a $10k Garage Jumpstart award and a trade show, then zero trays shipped before a clean wind-down.

What I learned

It came down to manufacturing. Most food-safe plastic products need an injection mold, and the mold costs a lot up front. There was a lot of interest, but not enough people would preorder to cover it.

  • Fusion 360
  • Prototyping
  • Customer discovery