From two engineers with no business background to founders tackling the plastic waste crisis with robotics and AI, DELTAsort Robotics is proving that impact starts with initiative. Co-founders Petar Slaviček and Filip Kuzminski joined BIRD Incubator’s pre-incubation program to turn their technical skills into a potential startup. We sat down with them to talk about learning the ropes of entrepreneurship, overcoming hardware hurdles, and where DELTAsort is headed next.
Let’s start with a little intro: Who are you, what’s the name and age of your startup, and what problem are you solving?
We are DELTAsort Robotics, AKA Petar and Filip, and for less than a year we are automating plastic waste sorting using robotics and AI.
What inspired you to start your company, and what’s the story behind your journey into entrepreneurship?
Nowadays, starting this company and being entrepreneurs seems evident – like an axiom, like it was carved into stone. We always leaned towards solving real world issues with technology – on our terms
How did you first connect with BIRD Incubator, and what made you decide to join the program?
We applied for the Pre-Incubation program in BIRD as it seemed effective and explosive on paper (or the web page, whatever it was). BIRD definitely delivered more than anticipated – a few weeks at the program definitely brought impact and shaped our startup idea
Every startup faces challenges—what’s been your toughest obstacle so far, and how did you overcome it?
I would say that being hardware dependent is a tough obstacle to overcome, inside and out. It’s a part of our value proposition, so it is not exactly something to overcome – it just makes things a bit harder – but that will hardly stop us
What’s one resource, connection, or experience at BIRD Incubator that truly made a difference in your startup’s growth?
The whole program being raw and honest. We really liked the uncensored criticism towards everyone throughout the program. Makes you think twice, which definitely turns out to be better than thinking once or not thinking at all.
Investors and partners are often curious—what makes your business model stand out, and who are your target customers?
We aligned our pricing model and value proposition to target the underserved portion of the waste management industry. Being able to automate key processes of small and mid-sized sorting facilities, we make it accessible where it was previously impossible.
Let’s talk about the future—where do you see your startup in five years, and what goals are you most excited to achieve?
In five years, we want hundreds of DELTAsort robots being deployed yearly across the globe. Being able to deliver and have satisfied customers is what drives us the most.
To wrap up, what’s one piece of advice or wisdom from your journey that you believe every founder should know?
Don’t suppress yourself. Do everything it takes. But also, take advice. Not the first advice, but the second that’s just like the first. Unless you REALLY know what you are doing.
