Sinsungo Inc., a refrigeration and freezing technology startup based in Albany, New York, announced that it will launch a global Kickstarter campaign this October for GLEA, a premium foldable cooler powered by advanced vacuum-insulation technology. The campaign is scheduled to launch on October 15, 2026, offering exclusive early-bird discounts to backers, with an initial outreach focus on the U.S. market. The product aims to bridge the performance gap between hard coolers, which offer superior cold retention but are bulky, and soft coolers, which are portable but less effective at keeping contents cold.
At the core of GLEA is Sinsungo’s proprietary Foldable Vacuum Insulation (FVI) structure. Traditional Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIP), commonly used in refrigerators, freezers, and industrial cold-chain boxes, provide exceptional insulation but are notoriously difficult to bend or fold. Sinsungo redesigned this vacuum-insulation system to bend up to 180 degrees, applying the FVI structure across all six sides of the cooler. Through this technology, GLEA delivers up to 48 hours of cold retention, making it suitable for long-distance road trips, camping, picnics, bulk grocery shopping, and frozen-food transport. When folded, the cooler measures approximately 2 inches (5 cm) thick, allowing for easy storage in tight spaces such as car trunks or home closets.
Despite its powerful insulation, GLEA remains highly portable. It weighs just 2.4 kg (5.3 lbs) and comes equipped with a handle and strap for comfortable transport. Unlike conventional hard coolers that take up substantial space even when empty, GLEA expands when needed and folds flat for storage when the job is done. The cooler is designed for outdoor versatility with water-resistant and hygienic construction. The exterior is treated with a water-repellent coating to resist moisture and stains, while the interior features a water-resistant lining designed to handle melting ice and liquid spills. The surface can be easily wiped clean with a soft cloth after use.
GLEA will be offered in three capacities: 8 L, 27 L, and 33 L, to suit a variety of needs, from daily grocery runs to outdoor adventures. The Kickstarter campaign can be found at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2016559429/glea-cooler-folds-flat-fits-anywhere-cold-for-48-hours?ref=2b9ucy. A Sinsungo representative said, “GLEA represents a fresh interpretation of vacuum-insulation technologies traditionally used in refrigeration, freezing, and cold-chain applications, bringing that same performance into everyday life with enhanced convenience. Through this Kickstarter campaign, we look forward to validating the potential of our FVI technology with global backers and expanding its use across a broader lineup of portable cold-chain products.”
The launch of GLEA could have significant implications for the portable cooling market and beyond. By successfully adapting vacuum insulation for flexible applications, Sinsungo may open new possibilities for cold-chain logistics, outdoor recreation, and everyday consumers who need reliable temperature control without the bulk of traditional hard coolers. The Kickstarter campaign will serve as a validation point for the company’s FVI technology, potentially paving the way for broader adoption in other portable cold-chain products. For backers, GLEA promises a convenient solution that combines high-performance insulation with space-saving design, addressing a common pain point for campers, road-trippers, and grocery shoppers alike.
