Hi guys!

I am a student from RSM Erasmus University in Rotterdam, NL.

We are working on a course called 'Entrepreneurial Lab' where we are launching are own business in-class to take it up when the course is finished. Great fun!

We are currently in the early stages and are trying to learn as much as possible from other entrepreneurs who have succeeded.

Would it therefore be possible for you to fill in this quesionnaire?: https://forms.gle/9uwpM56AMqNRw1hN9

It is about your history with startup enablers (investors, incubators, accelerators, mentors, etc.) and your associated experiences.

It will take 5 minutes of your time at max.

Thank you so much in advance, and if you have questions please leave a reaction!

When designing hardware products, how does one know what safety and product compliance standards are required for specific markets? Like US/CA/Europe/Australia. Sure there are general codes, like NEC if the product is to be used in a building environment. But there are also numerous UL standards (and probably other PCB, IEEE, etc standards I'm missing). So how does one know what standards a product/innovation is supposed to meet when designing for markets around the world?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRK3hSDb8FA

Hi all, last chance to apply for Rev Ithaca’s 10 week summer hardware accelerator. https://www.revithaca.com/prototyping-hardware-accelerator/

Hello,

I'm wanting to get into liquid silicone rubber molding for end use parts (i.e. the silicone will be the product itself.)

I would rather not build one but am looking for something that has a relatively decent capacity. I am looking to make end use silicone parts that can simply be injected into a Nylon 3D printed mold. It's not a large part and I have the a solidworks file that was professionally rendered. Does anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks

I've posted here before about this project, but i'm building a device for muscular TMJ Pain relief. I've been building a brand instagram page and website/blog for the last 2 months, and just this week launched a pre-order campaign to get my toe in the water of actually selling my device (even though it's just pre-orders right now). It felt amazing to actually get a couple sales. Here's a video log about what's happened so far if you're interested.

The main thing I learned though is that trust is everything. Google search ads don't work at this stage because there's no trust in my brand out of google. The sales I was able to get were either through people that have been following my instagram page already, or people that found my posts on facebook groups/reddit (which gives some social proof). That's why soon I'm going to start experimenting with UGC ads which will hopefully give that little bit of social proof as well. I'm also going to put in more effort on growing the instagram page, and the funnel that goes around it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSoor9kPFeM

r/hwstartups: Who is Hiring?

Some relevant information to post:

• Your company
• The location
• Intern/Full/Remote/Visa Requirements

Hi all! My company is going to be doing a small run of Audio Switchers and we are looking at testing for FCC/CE/UKCA. It is a mains powered device with certified Meanwell SMPS units, all analog audio path and digital is just on/off GPIO - no SPI/I2C etc on the board so the chances of radiated emissions is very small. All application notes have been followed for limited radiation (and safety, of course). My question is, where can we get certification for this where it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg? It is for the pro audio market so we won’t be doing 1000s of these units - maybe a hundred for now so paying £££££ to get these tested makes any profit null and void. *should note - we are based in Scotland in the UK

What is the best way to get a patent for a college student with low funding but innovative idea?

Its curently very hot. Help.

Whats your thoughts on building programable RISCV ASIC for Small Language models for PC/desktop which connects to pcie.

Update: I finally got a fully functional looks like prototype for my heating massage pen!

I’m making it because I have TMJ and need something small and hot to get rid of muscle knots in my jaw.

I’ve learned a ton with PCB design and product design. Now I’m creating electronics that have failure mode analysis behind them. And once that’s done, it’s time for labeling, compliance, testing, marketing, and mass production.

I’m documenting it all on YouTube if you’re interested: https://youtu.be/ou-Rxb594Vc?si=TG0fXW_yNtZoqJjx

I'm facing difficulty connecting with component suppliers who are hesitant to engage in discussions, provide samples, share technical data, or even respond to my inquiries due to my status as a smaller, less established entity. Can anyone offer guidance on navigating relationships with component suppliers?

I've noticed that Chinese suppliers tend to be more accommodating compared to their American and European counterparts, yet securing responses from them remains challenging. Any suggestions on improving communication with suppliers would be appreciated.

I do PCB designs and work very close with PCB manufacturers and PCBA factories. I run projects and have helped many clients with their developments. If you got some questions that can help you get to the next step, I will try to help.

I am planning to sell an IoT product soon, it is a temperature and movement sensor using a ESP32. I have not yet certified my product, I want to get some customer feedback before doing this. I was planning to sell 300 units through my website to start testing the product. Can I sell 300 units that don’t have yet any certification (FCC, UL, CE)? US market

I'm currently developing a novel battery-powered wireless phone charger and have crafted a couple of prototypes that not only look promising but also function exceptionally well. Incorporating them into my daily routine, I've found them to be very useful and I have given them to friends to use as well and they say the same. I think others would like them as well.

However, to go to the next step requires a lot of investment to optimize them for production, minor design adjustments are required, along with transitioning from 3D-printed to injection-molded components, and obtaining the necessary certifications for consumer sales. Before I make the next step I want to make sure there is product market fit but am not sure the best step.

I'm curious about yalls opinion and experience on the best course of action moving forward. How should I gauge market interest? Would launching a Kickstarter campaign be advisable? Any recommendations on the next steps would be greatly appreciated. Additionally, if anyone in Houston, TX is available, I'd welcome the opportunity to show off and discuss this project in person.

Here are some pictures of one of the prototypes:

Front

Back

​

https://preview.redd.it/3sil0bzlw9mc1.png?width=1420&format=png&auto=webp&s=6ca4bb472a55cbc8bc79add392efee7e6fdb1025

Question: What is the equipment authorization guidance for Wireless Power Transfer Devices under Part 15 or Part 18.

Answer:

Wireless power transfer (WPT) devices operating at frequencies above 9 kHz must be authorized under the FCC?s equipment authorization rules and are subject to the technical and operational requirements of Part 15 and/or Part 18 of the FCC rules.
A WPT device that transmits information between the transmitter and the device being powered must be authorized under the appropriate Part 15 Rules for intentional radiators (47 C.F.R. part 15, subpart C) and will generally require an equipment certification. If a WPT device operates in both charging and communication modes, the device can be authorized under Part 18 for the charging mode and under Part 15 for the communications mode. This requires that the device complies with the relevant rule parts, and that the two modes of operation are independent from each other. Alternatively, the power charging function could be approved under Part 15 rather than Part 18 if the device meets all the appropriate Part 15 rule requirements.
Both Part 15 and Part 18 devices are required to comply with the FCC limits for human radiofrequency exposure. Part 18 devices must be authorized using either the certification or Supplier?s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) procedures for equipment authorization: in both cases, the guidance presented in this publication shall be applied.
Attachment 680106 D01 Wireless Power Transfer v04 provides general guidance on the equipment authorization process for WPT devices.

​

Source link:https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/kdb/forms/FTSSearchResultPage.cfm?id=41701&switch=P

Attachment List: https://apps.fcc.gov/kdb/GetAttachment.html?id=rDQNv%2FIhsL%2FQhUf283oiDw%3D%3D&desc=680106%20D01%20Wireless%20Power%20Transfer%20v04&tracking_number=41701

It's about the perception you create.

This is a crucial insight for anyone looking to make their mark in the competitive world of branding and marketing.

The most successful brands have mastered the art of selling not just products, but:

• Experiences
• Perceptions
• Dreams

How do they achieve this?

It’s less about the ‘what’ and more about the ‘how’.

Suppose you sell handmade shoes.

Instead of merely talking about the shoes, you can elevate your product by:

• Highlighting the tradition
• Showing the craftsmanship
• The unique story behind each pair

Suddenly, it's not just a pair of shoes, it's:

• A piece of history
• Testament to artisanship
• Conversation starter

It’s this perception that turns an ordinary item into something extraordinary.

In creating this perception, there are a few key steps to consider.

First, understand the unique aspects of your product or service.

• What makes it special?
• Is it the quality, the process, the people behind it?

Next, weave these elements into a compelling narrative.

• This narrative should connect with your audience on an emotional level
• Make them feel part of something bigger than just a transaction

In a world full of echoes, be a voice.

A unique, unapologetic voice that resonates with your audience.

Your goal is to shape perceptions in a way that stands out, that makes your brand memorable and desirable.

In marketing and branding, perception is everything.

By focusing on the ‘how’, by crafting a story that elevates your product from the mundane to the extraordinary, you can capture the imagination of your audience and create lasting connections.

I am new to the world of hardware startups and genuinely curious what people would even build.

What do people usually build? Is it usually B2B or B2C? And what broad categories are there?

I see/hear a lot about IoT device startups but that is it, so curious what all the types are.

This is my first rodeo as far as selling my own hw product, and I'm going to pitch it at a startup pitching competition. To be clear I'm more about generating sales and interest than finding investors. This competition is local but it draws eyes online. Though mainly software startups pitch, I have seen other people pitch physical goods as well. Mine is a combination of the two.

I'm planning on doing a "launch sale", where 100 units are available at a discount and go to retail price after they are gone. I can't stay at a discount for very long, as it cuts into the margin and I really just want to boost capital for more inventory with the sale and generate interest.

So, with that context, should I announce the sale *price* on one of the closing slides? Is it tacky? Should I just say "Available for purchase at ___.com, there's a sale going on right now" and leave it at that?

Anyone have experience with this? Thanks a bunch.

​

Hi everyone! My name is Dylan and I am trying to get some feed back on a concept I have. I am curious if you could tell me what your biggest problems are when shopping on line, especially that could included apartments, cars, air bnb, furniture, or clothing. I appreciate your time!

This concept, though simple, can profoundly change how brands connect with their audience.

Authenticity: Be Real

Just like good humans don't put up a facade, brands should also be genuine.

This means being transparent in communications.

It’s about showing the real people behind the brand and sharing the journey with all its ups and downs.

Authenticity builds a connection because people relate to real stories and genuine emotions.

Empathy: Understand Your Audience

This is about understanding and resonating with others.

It's what good humans do best:

• They listen
• Empathize, and
• Respond accordingly

For a brand, this means really listening to customers.

It’s about understanding their needs, fears, and aspirations and then personalizing products and services to meet these needs.

Brands that truly understand and empathize with their audience create deeper connections.

Consistency: Stay True to Your Values

Humans don’t change their beliefs based on trends.

Similarly, brands should maintain consistency in their core values.

This involves sticking to these values in all business decisions and ensuring that the brand message is consistent across all platforms.

Consistency breeds reliability and loyalty.

By adopting these principles, brands can build more human connections with their audience.

It’s not just about selling a product or service, it’s about building a relationship based on trust and mutual understanding.

When a brand embodies these human qualities, it resonates more deeply with its audience.

Your brand’s strength lies in how well it can mirror the qualities of a good human.

Hi all, I’m trying to develop a product that integrates a wireless chip, touchscreen, and battery and am trying to go from raspberry pi to something custom.

Doesn’t anyone have any experience on the best path forward? Looking through the internet I had a hard time finding any good resources, predictable designs popped up a few times, but idk if it’s worth the subscription price. If anyone has gone through his program I’d love your thoughts on it!

Thanks!

https://preview.redd.it/gpl6s31kfolc1.png?width=605&format=png&auto=webp&s=b40d49d5653f35d25dbf231845c481317108a47a

• New legislation to introduce digital labelling for British businesses to cut red tape and save millions in unnecessary regulation costs
• Recognition of CE marking continued for products such as toys and machinery, easing burdens to businesses
• Digital labelling reforms made possible by Brexit and ensures the UK’s regulatory requirements are fit for the modern world

lINK SOURCE:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-laws-to-introduce-digital-labelling-for-businesses-and-reduce-regulation-costs

Hi all. We are making a stationary (desktop or wall mount) indoor air quality monitor. The device is based on the ESP32-H2-MINI-1-N4 pre-certified module. The device is battery-powered. We utilize BLE for updates, other than that it does not transmit or receive. We are based in USA.

We reached out to a local lab for a quote for a quote. They came back with a price tag of roughly $8,000. From my research and reading, it should not cost anywhere this much -- even in the states.

We are not looking for a custom FCC ID. We are ok with doing a contains method, etc. We are looking for the cheapest solution, but want to do it within the USA. Our budged is $3k

We reached out to two more companies, waiting for them to get back to us.

Is this pricing expected and normal in 2024?Could anyone recommend a lab within the USA that could help? -- willing to fly out if we save $3-4k.

Thanks!

edit: We are in talks with a few of the recommended companies. Sunfiretesting seems to be the best deal. $2.5 for testing of our unit with re-testing if necessary. I will update this once we are done with the process to tell how it went.

edit 2: We went with Sunfiretesting. So far a great experience.