New Product Development and Product Design for Smokeytown

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 Smokeytown 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 leading multidisciplinary Australian engineering and product development company established in 2001, COLETEK has built an impeccable reputation as a trusted partner for businesses seeking innovative solutions to drive their growth. Our team is based in Smokeytown, Victoria, Australia, and we're committed to serving the unique needs of local businesses like yours. At COLETEK, we take pride in our national presence and expertise, with a track record of delivering high-quality products and services that meet the demands of various industries. Our foundation in engineering allows us to approach problems from multiple angles, fostering collaboration and creativity. We're not just an engineering company – we're problem solvers, dedicated to empowering your business to succeed. With our roots firmly established in Smokeytown, Victoria, Australia, we're committed to supporting local businesses as they navigate the complexities of innovation. Whether you're looking to boost efficiency, enhance customer engagement, or develop a new product, our team is well-equipped to guide you through every stage of your project. We've operated throughout Australia, helping companies like yours overcome challenges and seize opportunities. What sets us apart? Our reliability lies in our multidisciplinary approach, combining the expertise of our engineers and product developers under one roof. This means we can tackle complex problems comprehensively, streamlining your project timeline and budget. We're a trusted partner in every sense of the word – reliable, collaborative, and always focused on delivering exceptional results. In Smokeytown, Victoria, Australia, success is built on strong relationships between local businesses, the community, and innovative companies like COLETEK. By partnering with us, you can tap into our collective expertise, ensuring your business remains competitive in an ever-evolving landscape. We're proud to serve businesses in Smokeytown, Victoria, Australia, and across the nation. If you're ready to take your vision to the next level, we invite you to explore how COLETEK can support your growth journey. Let's build something remarkable together.