Revolutionizing Fire Safety for Every Home
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About Us
Our Mission:
Accessible Fire Safety for All
At Flame Away, our mission is simple yet powerful: to make fire safety accessible, intuitive, and effective for households and individuals who may lack experience or resources to combat fires.
Despite technological advancements, fire-related injuries and fatalities remain a serious concern. Many homes still lack basic fire safety tools—often due to poor design, lack of awareness, or inconvenience. That’s why we created Flame Away, a throwable fire extinguisher that’s easy to use, even for children and elderly individuals. Our goal is to empower everyone to take fire safety into their own hands.
Sustainability at the Core of Fire Protection
We believe saving lives should never come at the cost of the planet. Flame Away is committed to building a sustainable fire safety industry by aligning our operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
We prioritize non-toxic, eco-friendly materials that are safe for both people and the environment.
We source materials locally and responsibly to minimize our carbon footprint.
We foster safe and inclusive working conditions for everyone involved in our mission.
- Our Journey
From University Startup to
Life-Saving Innovation
Flame Away began in 2019 during the Entrepreneurship minor at the University of Amsterdam (UvA). Founded by four students, the idea quickly gained traction and was admitted to the Demonstrator Lab at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU).
At the Demonstrator Lab, we had access to:
Scientific lab spaces for rigorous product testing.
Expert mentorship from professors and entrepreneurs.
Collaborations with fire departments to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Our product was designed to be intuitive, reliable, and ready for real-life emergencies. We tested it under various fire conditions to guarantee performance when it matters most.
Recognition & Growth
In January 2020, Flame Away was selected as a finalist among 25 startups and pitched to investors. We won the Fire Safety Innovation Prize, securing funding and partnerships with Woonzorg, Habion, and Wooncompagnie—organizations dedicated to improving safety for vulnerable populations.
In 2021, we joined the We Make Change community, connecting with skilled volunteers who share our mission to make the world safer.
We also hosted a user testing day at SWZ Wassenaar, where residents helped us refine the product’s design, color, and usability—ensuring it works for people of all ages and abilities.
From Prototype to Market
After years of development, Flame Away was officially incorporated at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce on July 6, 2022. We launched production the same day and released our product to the public on October 21, 2022—available online and in select retail stores.
Media & Awards
2023 was a breakthrough year:
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Winner of the Philips Innovation Award One-Pager Competition -
Semi-finalist for the Innovator Award -
Featured in FD’s 50 under 35 and MT/Sprout’s 25 under 25 lists -
Interviews with Unity, BNR Zakendoen, and more -
Named one of the Top 25 Most Innovative Companies in the Netherlands by the KVK Innovatie Top 100 -
Recognized by the James Dyson Awards for outstanding product design
We showcased Flame Away at major trade fairs including Maison et Objet (Paris), Trade Mart, Trendz, and ShowUP in the Netherlands.
2024–2025: Continued
Innovation & Impact
KVK Innovation Top 100 (2024)
Flame Away maintained its top-tier status, again ranking in the top 25 most innovative companies in the Netherlands.
James Dyson Award- National Runner-Up
Our product was recognized for its decorative and functional design, encouraging users to keep it visible and accessible.
Scientific Testing by Efectis Nederland
Flame Away passed 26 rigorous fire safety tests, confirming its effectiveness across various surfaces and conditions.
Educational Outreach
We launched a series of scientific blog posts explaining fire dynamics and extinguishing methods, including insights from Max Nijman’s thesis.
Community Testing Events
We continued hosting user testing sessions, ensuring Flame Away remains intuitive and effective for all age groups.
Media Coverage
Featured in Elsevier Weekblad, RTL’s Zondag op 4, De Jonge Ondernemerspodcast, and De Nationale Carrièrebeurs, sharing our story and mission with a broader audience.
Meet the
Founder
Max Nijman, founder of Flame Away, continues to lead the charge in fire safety innovation. His dedication to saving lives and creating sustainable solutions has earned national recognition and inspired a growing community of changemakers.
Why Choose Flame Away?
Easy to use
No training required
Safe for all ages
Designed for children and elderly
Eco-friendly
Non-toxic and sustainable materials
Award-winning design
Trusted by experts and institutions
Scientifically tested
Proven effectiveness in real fire scenarios
and sustainable materials
Ready to Protect Your Home?
Visit our online store to order your Flame Away throwable fire extinguisher today and take the first step toward a safer, more prepared household.