Building the future of human thermal performance
Kuhler Technologies has joined the AO StartUps program to pilot its portable cooling technology with a cohort of elite developing athletes at Tennis Australia's National Tennis Academy.
The startup is focused on advancing human thermal performance through innovative, on-demand cooling solutions.
Its flagship product, Kühler, is a patented palm-cooling device that supports the body's natural thermoregulation processes, helping athletes maintain performance and recover more effectively during periods of sustained physical exertion.
“We are thrilled to participate in the AO StartUps program and collaborate with innovators in sport and performance to demonstrate the impact of portable cooling in an elite performance environment,” said Kuhler Technologies co-founder Braeden Ostepchuk.
“As heat continues to make headlines in tennis, we're excited for the opportunity to help athletes and coaches better manage thermal stress and perform at their best."
The pilot will see Kühler units integrated into existing high-performance environments including training sessions, match-play simulations and recovery protocols.
"AO StartUps continues to connect us with emerging technologies that have the potential to enhance athlete performance and we're excited to work with Kuhler Technologies through this pilot,” said Tennis Australia National Applied Intelligence Manager Alistair Murphy.
“The National Tennis Academy provides an ideal environment to evaluate the technology in practice, gather valuable athlete and coach feedback, and better understand how cooling solutions like Kühler may support performance and recovery within a high-performance pathway."
Founded at the intersection of sports science, engineering and human performance, Kuhler Technologies is developing practical cooling solutions for athletes competing at the highest level.
The full cohort of AO StartUp companies will be announced throughout 2026.