Recognized among 300 extraordinary innovations, Sourdough Sidekick automates starter maintenance so bakers can have their starter ready when they are.

Sourdough Sidekick has been named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2026, recognizing an innovation designed to make sourdough baking easier to fit into everyday life.

Co-created by the team at GE Appliances' FirstBuild innovation hub, its community, and experts at King Arthur Baking Company, Sourdough Sidekick automates one of the most demanding parts of sourdough baking: starter maintenance.

In Auto mode, Sourdough Sidekick prepares the amount of starter a baker needs and has it ready on the selected day and time, with no interaction required for up to a week. By reducing routine upkeep, waste and guesswork, Sourdough Sidekick makes it easier for bakers to spend less time managing starter and more time enjoying the craft of baking bread.

Recognized Among TIME’s Best Inventions of 2026

TIME’s annual Best Inventions list recognizes 300 extraordinary innovations changing our lives. To compile the 2026 list, TIME solicited nominations from editors and correspondents around the world, as well as through an online application process. Each contender was evaluated on factors including originality, efficacy, ambition and impact.

From Crowdfunding to Nationwide Availability

When the Sourdough Sidekick concept launched on Indiegogo in March 2025, it reached its crowdfunding goal in just 12 minutes.

After shipping to thousands of backers, Sourdough Sidekick became available nationwide in May 2026.

Making Sourdough Baking Easier

For bakers new to sourdough, Sourdough Sidekick lowers the barrier to getting started. For experienced bakers, it simplifies starter care and helps ensure starter is ready when baking day arrives.

The result is less time managing starter and more time enjoying the craft of baking bread.

Learn more at SourdoughSidekick.com. Watch Sourdough Sidekick’s development process on YouTube. Explore TIME’s Best Inventions of 2026.

What is Sourdough Sidekick?

Sourdough Sidekick is an automated sourdough starter maintenance system co-created by FirstBuild, its community, and experts at King Arthur Baking Company. It prepares starter for a baker’s selected day and time.

Why was Sourdough Sidekick recognized by TIME in 2026?

Sourdough Sidekick was named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2026. It automates starter maintenance, reduces routine upkeep and helps make sourdough baking more convenient.

How does Sourdough Sidekick work?

In Auto mode, it can prepare the amount of starter a baker needs and have it ready on the chosen day and time, with no interaction required for up to a week. By reducing routine upkeep, waste and guesswork, Sourdough Sidekick makes sourdough baking easier to fit into everyday life.

When did Sourdough Sidekick become available nationwide?

Sourdough Sidekick became available nationwide in May 2026, following its March 2025 Indiegogo campaign and shipments to thousands of backers.