OhmIQ, a startup based in North Charleston, South Carolina, unveiled two innovative heating technologies at the Host Milan 2025 conference held in Milan, Italy. The products, named InstIQTM and SteamIQTM, aim to address the longstanding issue of limescale buildup in commercial coffee equipment while also offering substantial energy and cost savings.
The conference, which is recognized as the premier trade fair for the restaurant and hospitality industry, provided a significant platform for OhmIQ to showcase its cutting-edge solutions. InstIQTM is designed as a compact tankless water-heating system specifically for coffee machines and hot beverage dispensers. It heats water in a rapid 40 seconds, allowing coffee professionals to serve beverages made with fresh water and potentially saving operators at least $1,145 annually per machine. Conversely, SteamIQTM serves as a high-performance steam solution for espresso machines, roasters, and other commercial food equipment.
Impact and Partnerships
The launch at Host Milan garnered extensive media attention, including a feature on TG5, Italy’s national television network. Throughout the five-day event, OhmIQ engaged in numerous interviews and strategic discussions aimed at expanding its innovative technology into various global markets. A notable highlight was OhmIQ’s collaboration with UNIC Espresso, where the company demonstrated how its technology seamlessly integrates into UNIC’s espresso machines. This live demonstration captivated coffee professionals and equipment manufacturers, showcasing the commercial viability of OhmIQ’s systems.
Both InstIQTM and SteamIQTM utilize OhmIQ’s proprietary Ohmic Array Technology. This technology not only eliminates limescale buildup but also replaces traditional heating elements that are prone to mineral deposits and premature failure. “Within a decade, ohmic heating will be a leading technology integrated into most new heating systems produced around the world,” stated Frederique Pirenne, CEO of OhmIQ. “The response at Host Milan has been extraordinary, and our partnership with UNIC Espresso demonstrates the impact of this technology.”
Future Prospects
The Host Milan conference marked OhmIQ’s first significant entry into the European market, indicating the company’s ambition to broaden its global footprint. Earlier this year, OhmIQ successfully launched its technology in the energy sector, and now it is poised to tackle the food and beverage industry, which has faced the challenges of limescale buildup for centuries.
Founded in 2022, OhmIQ has rapidly gained traction in the industry, supported by 126 global patents. The company is backed by IAG Capital Partners, an investment firm also based in Charleston. OhmIQ is committed to revolutionizing the food and beverage industry, as well as other sectors such as residential and commercial real estate and spa industries, by providing scalable, sustainable heating solutions that prioritize speed, precision, and energy efficiency.
For more information about OhmIQ’s innovative technologies or partnership opportunities, visit ohmiq.com.
