Saagar Kote
Complex innovations to solve common issues are featured on ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’ season 17 episode 6, where four new and unique products prove how modern problems require innovative solutions. The episode consists of surprising new inventions that solve specific problems within their respective industries. From Forte 3D’s 3D-printed affordable musical instruments to support the aspirations of budding musicians, to Surf Skull Helmets’ innovative protective gear for surfers, Tantos Chips’ flavored chips for refreshing snacking sessions, and Matzoh Ball Ramen’s solution to make and eat great ramen with the flavors from different parts of the world. Each company demonstrated how creativity and innovation can provide customers with an enhanced experience.
Forte 3D: Making Musical Instruments Affordable
Forte 3D, co-founded by Alfred Goodrich and Elijah Lee, specializes in the design, engineering, and hand-assembly of bowed string instruments utilizing cutting-edge 3D printing technology. These instruments feature patented designs that incorporate carbon fiber and polymer materials, while retaining traditional components such as wooden bridges, sound posts, and fingerboards, along with standard tailpieces, endpins, and tuning pegs. This unique combination results in instruments that are not only significantly more durable and affordable than wooden options but also boast exceptional resonance.
Grammy Award-winning cellist Mike Block became a part of the company in early 2024, drawn to the unique quality of the instruments. In March 2025, the company presented its innovative 3D-printed cello made from fiber at a conference hosted by the American String Teachers Association in Atlanta. In the same month, Christopher Moretti, a Grammy-nominated recording engineer, shared positive feedback about his recording session using the company’s 3D-printed cello. In April, the company showcased their wooden cello tops and the printed cellos at the American String Teachers Association.
In the same month, Mike Block played at the Symphony Hall in Boston with the company’s cello to a sold-out show. Cellist Steven Sharp Nelson gave positive feedback after playing the company’s cello in April. On May 4, 2025, Mike Block hosted a cello ensemble reading party at the Luthier Collective musical instrument store. Later in the month, artist Desmond Moss Rogers discussed how the game-changing design and materials of the company’s cellos are beneficial for music programs and teachers. In October, cellist Jessie Reagen collaborated with the company.
The products are available on the company’s official website. The Carbon Fiber Cello is priced at $2,950, and the Complete Cello Outfit is priced at $4,045. The Wood-Painted Italian Cello and the prints with artwork are priced at $ 3,250. Customization options are also available for $ 3,345. The company also sells cello accessories, including flight cases for $285, strings for $102.99, and bows for $959. Along with these products, the 3D-printed violin is available for $ 1,495.
Surf Skull Helmets: A Mission to Make Surfing Safer
Surf Skull founder Davon Larson wanted to make surfing safer, especially due to his own injury during a surfing session, where he cut his head on the fin of the surfboard. This led to the company’s founding in 2023. It is dedicated to improving wave safety with less cumbersome headgear. They developed a lightweight, low-profile surfing helmet designed to resemble a UV-resistant bucket hat. Crucially, this design conceals a protective bump cap made from durable ABS and EVA plastic. The company is currently focused on developing an advanced model that incorporates patent-pending technology specifically designed to reduce concussions.
On March 1 and 2, 2025, the company showcased its products at Camp Shred, the world’s largest surf demonstration in San Diego. The company tested some of its products in Fiji in May. June saw the launch of the new Surf Skull V2 Helmet, as well as a collaboration with surfers Giulio Tarquinio and Raymond Sayles. The V2 was tested in August at The Wave, a surfing destination in Bristol, UK. In the same month, the company collaborated with surfer Christina Funck. In September, the company made some progress in its Kickstarter campaign by securing around 60% of the desired funds and also collaborated with surfer Corinna and marine biologist Emma Titeca.
The month of September also saw the product being tested at Urbnsurf in Australia. In October, Surf Skull was featured in Time Magazine as one of the best inventions of 2025. The products are available for purchase on the company’s official website and on various online platforms, including Amazon. The Surf Skull V1 helmet is priced at $79, while the V2 is priced at $129. Baseball-style helmets cost $59, and children’s helmets cost $49. The company also sells apparel like T-shirts for $40 and hats for $35. Customers can also buy surf wax for $12 and a hair protector for $22.
Tantos Chips: Bringing the Flavor of Pasta to Chips
Joe Sasto’s lifelong ambition was to be a chef. His mother noticed his early talent and passion for cooking. His passion for pasta began at Quince in San Francisco, which ultimately led him to launch Tantos Chips in 2024 with Sean Knecht. It is the world’s first puffed pasta chip infused with classic Italian-American flavours. The world’s first puffed pasta chip offers a convenient, on-the-go snack with classic Italian-American flavors, combining the taste of pasta with the crunch of a chip. The name ‘Tantos’ comes from the Italian ‘Tantos Si,’ meaning “so much yes,” reflecting the brand’s positive, indulgent ethos.
The founder, Joe Sasto, exhibited the chips at Natural Products Expo, the world’s leading natural, organic, and healthy products event, in March 2025. In the same month, the company collaborated with an Italian restaurant called Coda di Volpe. April saw the company being featured on billboards in Times Square, NYC, and appearing at the Pebble Beach Food & Wine event. In the same month, representatives of the company appeared on WGN News.
In May, the products were featured at the National Restaurant Association Show. July saw the company’s products being available at The Fresh Market supermarket and Raley’s. In the same month, Tantos Chips was ranked number 40 in Amazon’s puffed snacks category sales. In September, the company became the proud sponsor of Roosevelt Elementary School and exhibited products at the APEX x IFSA Global Expo.
The products are available at the company’s official website and commercial platforms like Amazon, along with supermarkets. The Marinara flavored chips are available in sets of 6 and 8 bags (single-serving) at $17.94 and $23.92. Sets of 6 and 2 bags (shareable) of the same flavor are available for $41.94 and $13.98, respectively. The price remains the same across sizes for the three other flavors: the Classico, the Cacio e Pepe, and the Pesto. A combined variety pack, which includes a mix of all flavors, is available for the same price in the single-serving and shareable categories.
Matzoh Ball Ramen: Combining Two Cultures in a Noodle Bowl
Matzoh Ball Ramen is a special product launched by Shalom Japan, which opened in 2013 on the Southside of Williamsburg, and is co-owned and run by married chefs Aaron Israel and Sawako Okochi. The restaurant draws inspiration from the lively atmosphere of Brooklyn while celebrating the chefs’ respective Jewish and Japanese heritage. The Matzoh Ball Ramen kits can be conveniently enjoyed at home and bring the same restaurant-quality taste in a soul-satisfying bowl that combines two ultimate comfort foods from two distinct cultures.
On March 5, 2025, the first shipment of Matzoh Ball Ramen was delivered to customers nationwide. May saw the launch of Ramen’s vegetarian version. In September, the company introduced new packaging for the Ramen kits. The ramen kits can be purchased by customers on the Goldbelly food website. The Classic Matzoh Ball Ramen Kit, which serves two, is priced at $79.95. The classic is combined with spicy Matzoh Ball Ramen for $129.95. The spicy version is sold by itself for $84.95.
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