Affordable modular cooling solution for farm-level storage
Elephant Design developed portable cooling systems using dual-stage evaporative technology, delivering accessible produce preservation.
Uniting Musicians
Revolutionizing remote collaboration.
Structural modularity engineering
Sensor-based control logic
Ethylene extraction mechanism
Portability and transport readiness
Insulated tile system development
We designed FreshBox to address post-harvest losses by offering farmers an affordable, portable, modular cooling system rooted in dual-stage evaporation technology.Rethinking India’s Farm Challenges
For FreshBox, the challenge centred on reducing India’s massive post-harvest losses by delivering an accessible, reliable, and farmer-friendly cooling solution capable of addressing heat exposure, ethylene accumulation, and produce damage. Showcased first at KISAN Quest, a national design and innovation initiative supported by Association of Designers of India, ADI, brings innovators, and startups together to solve real-world agricultural problems. Its platform focuses on driving impact in areas such as farm technology, soil health, water management, and rural productivity. With solutions showcased at the KISAN Agri Show in Pune, the programme enables ideas that improve farmers' lives. 
Building Tools for Real Change
Our creation, FreshBox, aligned with this vision by transforming advanced cooling principles into actionable product design. It offers temperature control, humidity regulation, and ethylene extraction in a portable, modular format. The project stands apart for its affordability, its significant energy savings compared to refrigerant systems, and its adaptability for on-farm and mobile use, enabling farmers to reach markets with better-quality produce.The Two-Stage Cooling Advantage
FreshBox uses a dual-stage evaporative system where ambient air is first pre-cooled without added moisture, then cooled again through a wetted pad. This delivers a significant temperature drop with optimal humidity for produce preservation.
One Framework, Many Possibilities
FreshBox 1000 & 2000 demonstrate the system’s modular, scalable architecture. We engineered each unit using a robust metal frame clad with roto-moulded or blow-moulded PUF-insulated tiles sized at 3 ft × 3 ft, allowing configurable storage capacities.
Farmers can adapt the system for small or large harvest volumes, making it suitable for both on-farm storage and transport to markets 2–8 hours away.
The team designed the units to be portable, rental-ready, and simple to maintain, ensuring that even marginal farmers can adopt the solution with minimal infrastructure. Sensor-based controls manage temperature and humidity intelligently, while ethylene extraction extends shelf life during storage and transit.
Keeping Harvests Market-Ready For Longer
The dual-stage evaporative cooling technology reduces temperature by up to 19°C while maintaining controlled humidity, directly addressing spoilage caused by heat stress and uneven ripening. Low power consumption (75% less than conventional systems) makes the solution economically viable for rural environments.
FreshBox enhances produce lifespan through ethylene extraction and controlled airflow. Its water-based cooling, solar adaptability, and modular configuration ensure flexible use across farms, villages, and transport routes, providing farmers the time needed to reach better markets.Awarded for Real-World Impact
FreshBox was awarded 1st. runner-up in the Open Innovation category at KISAN Quest, acknowledging the team’s ability to translate real agricultural challenges into practical, scalable product design.
The recognition highlighted FreshBox’s impact potential across India’s fragmented cold-chain landscape, validating its technical approach, affordability, and adaptability for farm-to-market journeys. KISAN Quest aims to inspire implementable, scalable innovations that directly improve farmers’ livelihoods.
