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Kyran Knauf
Eindhoven (NL)
kyranknaufk@gmail.com
+33 7 78 25 51 56



About

Hi, I’m Kyran Knauf 👋️

With a cosmopolitan background in product design and international experience across six countries, I specialize in creating innovative physical and digital products. My career spans founding software and edtech startups, developing a climate-tech cricket incubator, teaching VR, working in product management at design agencies, and consulting early-stage startups to build and scale their products.

I lead product management, guiding projects from concept to market with strategic and creative insight. My approach emphasizes systems thinking, transformational design, and strategic development. I thrive in projects that push the boundaries of creativity and technological integration, allowing me to work across a variety of disciplines, including spatial design, architecture, and digital product development. I’m also proud to have been part of the prestigious Philips Innovation Award, the biggest startup competition in the Netherlands, which recognized my work in driving impactful solutions.

Global Perspective:

Raised in Paris within a multicultural family, I speak French, German, and English fluently. My design experience spans five countries—France, the Netherlands, Costa Rica, Germany, and the USA—where I honed my skills across different industries and cultural landscapes. This global exposure has shaped my cosmopolitan perspective on design and innovation.


Professional Journey:

I hold a degree in Product Design from the Design Academy Eindhoven and have studied at the Art Center College of Design in LA. My career began with projects at renowned agencies like Yellow Design and Dreiform in Germany, where I contributed to VR installations and design projects for clients such as BMW, Mini, and Stihl.

As a freelancer, I’ve worked with startups on digital product development, focusing on UI/UX design, user research, and prototyping. In addition, I guide early-stage startups with strategic product development and provide design expertise through consulting roles.

Notable Projects:
  • Crikorama: Creator of the world’s first homegrown cricket machine, which was nominated for the Phillips Innovation Award and the Green Concept Award.
  • Nebula Fog Collector: An innovative solution to harvest water from the air, also recognized with prestigious nominations.
  • My work has been featured in publications like Dezeen, Wallpaper, Stirpad, and De Ingenieur.

Teaching & Mentorship:

In addition to my design work, I’ve been a guest tutor at the Design Academy Eindhoven, teaching 2nd and 3rd-year students VR sketching and design through Gravity Sketch, helping shape the next generation of innovative designers.


What Drives Me:

I’m driven by a desire to bring impactful and sustainable products to life. Whether working in a design studio, collaborating with startups, or developing personal projects, my goal is always to innovate with purpose and push the boundaries of design.



Past Work & Client Engagements:

︎︎︎Download recommendations letters


Press Coverage:








Crikorama - The World's First Homegrown Cricket Machine:

  • Stirpad – Intersection of Design, Engineering, and Biology
    “Speaking about what is next for his practice, Knauf tells STIR, 'Moving forward, my plans involve constantly innovating in product design and startups that have a substantial effect on both individuals and the environment. I aim to lead a movement of engineers, designers, and creators who share the objective of developing products that foster self-sufficiency and contribute to a sustainable future.'”
    https://www.stirpad.com/news/stir-news/crikorama-kyran-knauf-s-cricket-machine-that-reimagines-protein-consumption/






  • ЭКОСФЕРА – Caring for Crickets as a Sustainable Alternative to Meat
    Russian publication highlighting Crikorama as a sustainable solution to food production.
    https://dzen.ru/b/ZYkojiBkPkv6DiBO











Nebula Fog Collector - Innovation in Water Harvesting:

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