Solving Problems Through New Product Development and Product Design for Sunshine Coast
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.
Our Process
Every project is different, but most follow these core phases:
- Project Review: Define the product goals, target users, and key functions. We collaborate closely to understand your vision and refine any early concepts.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Production: Transition from prototype to manufacture-ready design. We assist with DFM reports, supplier quotes, and production planning.
- 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.
Funding Your New Product Development and Product Design for Sunshine Coast
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
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
Why Choose COLETEK for New Product Development and Product Design for Sunshine Coast?
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.
Tools, Capabilities & Examples
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.
Our Engagement Model
- 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
Next Steps
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.
Explore Related Services
New Product Development and Product Design for Sunshine Coast 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.
Partnering with Sunshine Coast Businesses - A Proven Force in Local Innovation
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New Product Development and Product Design for Sunshine Coast – Amazing Customer Testimonials
Great prototype product made to our specs with minimal fuss. Delivered on time and within budget. Thanks team.
Working with COLETEK has been a pleasure. All parts we received are good quality and made exactly to our drawings, turnaround times were quick and never later than stated. Overall a great supplier and would recommend to any others interested in 3D Printing. Thank you!
Salita engaged Luke Cole to troubleshoot issues we were having with a drive motor system with a dynamic variance of torque and speed. After approaching no less than a dozen Australian supplier and engineering firms to provide a solution, and after 12 months of product design and testing, they could not verify why their recommended motors where failing and reversing suddenly. Luke undertook testing and analysis and quickly supplied information on the failures. Not only did Luke uncover a rare, uncommon failure but also provided a solution. The COLETEK team are our go to for the correct solution the first time, for all our electronic needs.
Our first foray into the world of 3D printing brought us to COLETEK. We consider ourselves fortunate to have made this connection. COLETEK were accessible and easy to communicate with. They provided clear feedback and advice regarding the printing process, 3D file formats, resolution options and the likely time and costs involved. They provided prompt, invaluable service at a critical stage of product development, demonstrating a real understanding of our particular needs. The costs of services were totally appropriate and represented real added value to our final product. Thank you Luke and the team, we look forward to further opportunities to engage COLETEK.
I used COLETEK for the design and prototyping of a new medical airway device I invented. They were enthusiastic, responsive to my input and I was very satisfied with the product they gave me. I can strongly recommend their services.
I'm in the early stages of my prototype design. I have worked with Luke for a couple of years now and in that time I have found Luke to be very reliable, responsible with my design, honest and trustworthy. What stood out the most was Luke's pride and commitment that he undertakes to ensure a positive outcome. I consider it a privilege to call Luke an associate and have no hesitation in encouraging others to do the same.
Founded in 2001, we are a multiple award winning, highly experienced multidisciplinary company specialising in lean product development through rapid prototyping - transforming ideas from concept to life. Our industry-leading team combines deep expertise, cutting-edge technology, and advanced equipment to validate emerging ideas—transforming them into market-ready hardware and software solutions.
Our experience dates back to the 1990s with ANU "Robotics Systems Lab", CSIRO, NICTA (aka Data61), Seeing Machines, Location Aware Technologies, and Hemisphere GPS (aka BEELINE). For over 10 years now, we've been focused on validating R&D and taking ideas to commercialisation.
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