ZEO

What it does

ZEO delivers an affordable, maintenance‑free, plug and play fire suppression system that’s highly customizable and easy to install and clean up ; addressing the fact that conventional systems are costly, complex, and often absent in homes and small buildings.

Your inspiration

In 2024, I witnessed my neighbour’s Christmas tree catch fire because of faulty LED wiring ; an incident that occurred while no one was home. This alarming event made me confront the unsettling thought: “What if something similar happened to my home when I wasn’t there?” Motivated by this concern, I began researching a solution that would address all my safety requirements and give me peace of mind.

How it works

ZEO employs zeolites which is a type of volcanic and sedimentary rock that has many use cases which some have been used for nuclear waste management, air & water purification and more. Since zeolites also have a tendency to be a solution for carbon capture and only releases when exposed to high heat, this naturally made us select this material. Hence when ZEO comes into contact with heat that exceeds 68 degrees celsius, a heat sensitive glass bulb will break under heat, releasing the zeolite onto the space directly below and surrounding area to prevent the fire from spreading further. Once contained, the user is able to clean up by just vacuuming, hence there is no water damage caused by traditional systems such as water sprinklers. Furthermore in certain conditions such as a kitchen or high heat areas, we are able to also customize the heat sensitive glass bulb to a higher temperature glass bulb which may break under 57 degrees to 182 degrees celsius.

Design process

The design evolved through a hands-on, user-centered process: starting with observations on real incidents that showed the urgent need for accessible fire safety, we researched materials and existing products, then rapidly prototyped and tested early concepts, often using 3D printing, putting the focus on simplicity, mess-free performance, and effortless installation. By gathering feedback and refining each iteration, we ensured the device blends seamlessly into any environment and delivers reliable, maintenance-free protection where it matters most.

How it is different

Traditional fire sprinkler systems are often expensive and require extensive maintenance. Moreover, water-based sprinklers can cause significant water damage. ZEO offers an alternative solution that reduces costs and makes fire protection accessible to everyone, because we believe fire safety is a basic necessity. Our system uses zeolite, which releases CO₂ to suppress flames and prevents re‑ignition, making it an ideal choice. It is effective on Class A, B, C, and E fires, with the CO₂ component providing additional suppression for chemical and electrical hazards. Cleanup is also much easier; simply vacuum up the zeolite after an event. With these benefits such as lower cost, simplicity, and broad accessibility. ZEO brings reliable fire protection to the entire community.

Future plans

ZEO’s modular, low‑cost design can be tailored for emerging fire‑risk environments ; from electric vehicles and electronic cargo on ships and planes to festivals and seasonal décor. Custom‑fitted units integrate seamlessly into shipping containers, vehicle chassis, and even Christmas‑tree ornaments, where, upon heating, they release zeolite and CO₂ to extinguish flames and prevent re‑ignition.

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