New Product Development and Product Design for Trawalla

Great products solve real problems. That’s why every product journey should start with a deep understanding of the problem and its context. Whether the solution is straightforward or technically uncertain, we’re here to help navigate the path from concept to reality.

Some ideas have clear engineering paths. Others involve unknowns, trials, and experiments. Both are valid, but require different expectations around time, cost, and risk. Our team specializes in identifying the right approach early — whether that’s rapid prototyping, simulation, or scientific investigation — and adapting as we go.

Whether you’re seeking help with product design, industrial design, electronics, or embedded systems, our team can support you through all phases of development — from concept sketches and mood boards to working prototypes and full production.

Every project is different, but most follow these core phases:

1. Project Review: Define the product goals, target users, and key functions. We collaborate closely to understand your vision and refine any early concepts.
2. Planning: Outline possible technical paths, draft a rough BOM, estimate unit costs, and propose a high-level plan. We keep planning lean so your idea can evolve.
3. Design: Turn ideas into computer-aided designs (CAD) with a focus on cost-effective prototyping, product aesthetics, and functionality. We often support this with mood boards, industrial design refinement, and rapid iteration using modern 3D CAD tools.
4. Prototyping: Build physical or digital prototypes for testing and feedback. We often recommend multiple iterations to ensure your product is ready for market or investors.
5. Production: Transition from prototype to manufacture-ready design. We assist with DFM reports, supplier quotes, and production planning.
6. Promotion: Optionally, we can help you prepare promotional materials such as logos, renders, brochures, and videos.

In some cases, we may suggest an early feasibility study or proof-of-concept (PoC) build before formal development starts. This helps reduce technical and financial risk.

Development costs are typically one-off investments. They shift your breakeven point but don’t directly affect long-term profit. Focus instead on reducing unit (marginal) costs and ensuring your product has real demand.

If self-funding isn’t an option, here are some alternatives:

Government Grants

• R&D Tax Incentive
• business.gov.au – Programs
• Ignite Ideas Fund

Equity Investment

Some founders self-fund an early prototype, then pitch to an industry-aligned investor for further support. This can lead to reimbursement of early costs, mentorship, and shared equity arrangements.

Other Sources

• Angel Investors: Often fund pre-revenue concepts
• Venture Capital: More common once traction is proven
• Crowdfunding: Platforms like Kickstarter allow pre-sales to fund development

Our core team includes robotics engineers and PhD scientists with decades of combined experience. This lets us bridge disciplines and solve hard problems quickly — saving you time and cost versus siloed firms.

We work lean, embrace agility, and treat each project as a partnership. Whether you’re building a proof-of-concept (PoC), a commercial minimal viable product (MVP) or validating a high-risk idea, we tailor the process to suit your goals, budget, and stage.

We also offer a private client dashboard to keep your project organised, with timelines, file sharing, and chat in one place. It’s like your own project cockpit, purpose-built for hardware and product teams.

We bring together electronics, software, industrial design, and mechanical engineering under one roof. Our private dashboard ensures clear communication throughout your journey, while our capabilities and portfolio showcase our technical depth and product range.

• Time and Materials basis (hourly + materials)
• No guarantees – we work on a best-effort R&D model
• Weekly billing with itemised timesheets
• 15-minute billing increments
• 7-day invoice terms or deposit-based

Ready to begin? Contact us with your concept or goals, and we’ll guide you through the review phase to identify the right development approach for your idea.

New Product Development and Product Design for Trawalla often draws on several of our specialised service areas. Depending on your project's scope, you may also be interested in:

• Electronics Design – Custom PCB design, component selection, and circuit prototyping.
• Software and Firmware Development – Backend, frontend, bare-metal and app development to support your product ecosystem.
• 3D Computer-aided Modeling (CAD) – Concept visualisation, enclosure design, and mechanical integration.
• Rapid 3D Prototyping – Fast-turnaround 3D printing and CNC machining or vacuum casting for test-fit, enclosures, PoCs and MVPs.
• Embedded Systems – Firmware development, microcontroller programming, and system integration.
• IoT & Edge-AI Systems – IoT & Edge-AI system design and development for data logging, control, and cloud integration.
• Robotics Prototyping – Autonomous systems, mobility solutions, and field-ready mechatronics.
• Artificial Intelligence – Vision systems, language systems, predictive models, and intelligent automation for smarter products.

As a respected and established multidisciplinary engineering and product development company, COLETEK has earned its reputation as a trusted partner for businesses in Trawalla, Victoria, Australia. With over two decades of experience in delivering reliable and innovative solutions, we've built a strong presence across the country. Our commitment to collaborative engineering and product development sets us apart, enabling our clients to achieve their goals with confidence. Based in Trawalla, Victoria, Australia, COLETEK operates throughout the region, serving businesses that share our passion for innovation and success. We understand the unique challenges faced by local industries, from manufacturing to agriculture, and are dedicated to empowering them with tailored engineering solutions. By leveraging our expertise in product development, we help entrepreneurs and business leaders turn their ideas into reality, driving growth and prosperity throughout the area. What sets us apart is our holistic approach to engineering and product development. We don't just focus on one specific aspect of a project – instead, we take a multidisciplinary approach that encompasses multiple disciplines, ensuring a comprehensive solution that meets our clients' diverse needs. Our team of experienced engineers and experts collaborates closely with clients to gain a deep understanding of their goals and challenges, then applies this knowledge to design and develop innovative products that exceed expectations. As a trusted partner for businesses in Trawalla, Victoria, Australia, we've established ourselves as a go-to provider of reliable and innovative solutions. Our reputation is built on our ability to deliver complex projects on time and within budget, while exceeding client expectations through collaboration, expertise, and dedication. At COLETEK, we're committed to the region and its businesses. We understand the importance of supporting local industries and driving growth in Trawalla, Victoria, Australia. That's why we're dedicated to providing cutting-edge engineering solutions that empower our clients to achieve their goals and succeed.