Investors of This Solar-Powered Lunchbox Allegedly Left in the Lurch [Updated]

In June last year, the organisers of SunnySide, a company that billed itself as “the world’s first solar-powered smart lunchbox that will keep your food chilled or heated on-the-go”, reached out to Gizmodo Australia to show off its new innovation.

The lunchbox was being promoted on Kickstarter, selling for $69, and the press kit appeared just like every other press kit does. As a publication known for sharing quirky and ridiculous tech, from that which is available to that which is still in R&D phase (and everything in between), Gizmodo Australia had no reason to assume this unassuming lunchbox would fall into the ether, allegedly leaving investors without an item, and down the money they spent, with no avenue to recoup the funds.

Kickstarter is a funding site that enables those without the budget to seek money for funding. In the case of SunnySide, the Kickstarter listing now links to Indiegogo, where a banner above reads: “This campaign is under review. It is not accepting contributions.”.

Gizmodo Australia understands the platform is looking into SunnySide, and without knowing the situation, the 169 comment-strong discussion on the page (echoing the comments left on the product’s Facebook page, mind you) indicate that no one who put forward money has received a product.

Gizmodo Australia also reached out to the contact from SunnySide we had at the time, but the email bounced, and, just like any of you who have reached this page Googling for answers, a way to reach the company or its organisers has not been found.

We are going to continue to look into SunnySide, and will of course update you if we learn any more.

For transparency, the original article continues below.

SunnySide said the lunchbox has built-in direct induction technology, as well as a cooling element, three fans and a thick layer of insulation. SunnySide reckons this ensures both portable self-heating and self-cooling. SunnySide is made of 45 per cent recycled ABS plastic (outside) and BA aluminium (inside).

SunnySide also comes with a built-in solar panel and a 10,000 mAh power bank. Which you can also charge your phone from.

Additionally, SunnySide has its own app, which allows you to control the internal temperature of the lunchbox, track your calories, recommend recipes and alert you if you are running low on power.

All the things we didn’t know we needed (although I’m not 100 per cent convinced I need to be called out for over-eating by a lunchbox).

“You can enjoy hot food just in seconds, as well as keep your food fresh for up to 20 hours through temperature control via the sensor screen or the app,” the company claims.

Writing specs of a lunchbox isn’t something we often do at Gizmodo Australia, so I assume you all want to know it also has dividers to keep food separate and comes in a pastel colour design. It’s dishwasher safe, too. It measures 230mm x 117mm x 86mm and without food, weighs 680g.

This article has been updated since it was first published.