New Product Development and Product Design for Gatum

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 Gatum 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.

At COLETEK, we're proud to serve businesses in Gatum, Victoria, Australia and throughout the nation. With over two decades of experience and a reputation for innovation, our multidisciplinary Australian engineering and product development company has established itself as a trusted partner for local businesses seeking reliable solutions. Since 2001, we've operated from our base in Gatum, Victoria, Australia, supporting entrepreneurs, startups, and established companies alike. Our team of experts is dedicated to collaborating with clients to deliver custom-made products and services that drive growth, increase efficiency, and solve complex challenges. With a solid understanding of the local market, we're well-positioned to support businesses across Gatum, Victoria, Australia in achieving their goals. Our capabilities extend beyond traditional engineering disciplines, encompassing product development, design, testing, and manufacturing. This comprehensive approach enables us to take on projects that require integrated solutions, leveraging our collective expertise to develop novel products and processes. As a multidisciplinary firm based in Gatum, Victoria, Australia, we're uniquely equipped to tackle even the most ambitious projects and help local businesses remain competitive. What sets COLETEK apart is our commitment to delivering exceptional value through trusted relationships. We believe that effective collaboration is key to success, and we take pride in building strong bonds with clients across Gatum, Victoria, Australia. Our expertise is rooted in a deep understanding of the industries we serve, combined with a passion for innovation and a drive to deliver results. By partnering with COLETEK, businesses in Gatum, Victoria, Australia can rest assured that their needs will be met with speed, efficiency, and integrity. With our support, local entrepreneurs and business owners can focus on pursuing their passions, knowing that they have a trusted partner by their side.