Key Takeaways
- Sennos, a Durham-based company, is developing technology to make the craft beer brewing process easier and more efficient.
- The Sennos M3 is an in-tank fermentation sensor system that monitors factors like gravity, dissolved oxygen, pH, pressure, and temperature.
- The system uses AI to forecast fermentation completion, detect anomalies, and recommend interventions to maximize efficiency and consistency.
- Sennos has grown to include local brewers and has expanded its operations to 13 countries with over 700 systems in breweries.
- The company is exploring applications in wine, cider, coffee, and eventually pharmaceuticals.
Introduction to Sennos and Its Mission
The art of brewing craft beer is a complex process that requires precision and attention to detail. Sennos, a Durham-based company, is working to make this process easier through technology. Founded by Jared Resnick, former owner of West End Wine Bar in Chapel Hill, Sennos has been developing a device that acts as an intelligent sensor to help take the guesswork out of the fermentation process. The company’s goal is to provide brewers with a tool that can help them cut waste, boost consistency, and maximize efficiency.
The Development of the Sennos M3
The Sennos M3 is an in-tank fermentation sensor system that continually monitors factors like gravity, dissolved oxygen, pH, pressure, and temperature. This information is then sent immediately to the Sennosystem platform on mobile or desktop. The system uses AI to forecast fermentation completion, detect anomalies, and recommend interventions before they impact quality. Resnick, who learned about the importance of consistency in craft beer while running West End Wine Bar, saw an opportunity to create a product that could help brewers maintain consistency and quality.
The Evolution of Sennos
Resnick started Precision Fermentation, which later evolved into Sennos, with the idea of building a device that could retrofit onto fermentation tanks. He brought together a team that could think outside the box and built a prototype using parts from Home Depot and Lowes. Although the initial prototype was destroyed, the team continued to iterate and improve the design. Precision Fermentation officially launched its product in March 2020, just before the pandemic. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the company was able to engage with customers and keep some breweries alive.
Growth and Expansion
In the past two years, Sennos has grown significantly, with its systems being used in over 700 breweries in 13 countries. The company has also started working with local brewers, such as Atomic Clock Brewing Company and The Glass Jug. Sennos has moved its headquarters to the Venable Center Campus in downtown Durham and is exploring applications in wine, cider, coffee, and eventually pharmaceuticals. Resnick’s vision for Sennos is to continue to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible in the brewing industry.
Future Applications and Opportunities
While Sennos is currently focused on brewing, the company is starting to work in other areas, such as wine and cider. Resnick believes that the technology developed by Sennos can be applied to other industries, such as coffee and pharmaceuticals. The company’s ability to monitor and control fermentation processes could have significant implications for these industries. As Sennos continues to grow and expand, it is likely that we will see new and innovative applications of its technology.
Conclusion
Sennos is a company that is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the brewing industry. Through its development of the Sennos M3, the company is providing brewers with a tool that can help them maximize efficiency and consistency. With its growth and expansion into new areas, Sennos is poised to make a significant impact on the industry. As the company continues to innovate and explore new applications, it will be exciting to see what the future holds for Sennos and the brewing industry as a whole.
