Introducing Design Days: Free engineering consultation for Startups

PADT and CEI are teaming up to answer any startup’s questions about engineering and manufacturing for their physical product. Over the years we have found lots of early stage companies who benefited from spending a little bit of time with an experienced product development engineer. Finding time for them to stop by PADT was always difficult to schedule and never seemed worked out. Or we would meet people at events and try and talk in a corner, still not good.

So last month during Phoenix StartupWeek CEI and PADT tried having some time where people could stop by and talk. It went really well for everyone involved, so Design Days was born.

Our first one will be held on April 14, 2016 at CEI’s offices in Phoenix.  The idea is simple, you get one hour with an experienced mechanical engineer to talk about whatever you want. We can spend the time talking about:

• Suggestions for how to properly design your product
• Get contacts at local resources that can help you
• Brainstorm solutions to technical problems
• Discuss the weather (it’s your hour)
• Get an idea of what it would take to design and prototype your product
• Answer questions about software and hardware tools you may need
• Bounce ideas off someone new
• Review manufacturing options
• Get advice on the next steps you should be taking
• Or whatever else you want to discuss

You don’t have to be an existing CEI client, a new company or an old one. You just need to want to talk to our engineers.

Sign up for one of the available one hour slots here.   Our plan is to do this once a month, and if it works, try some other incubators as well.

Here is some basic information you should be aware of:

• Do not ask for Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). PADT engineers operate under a strict company code of ethics; therefore no additional NDA is required.
• This is meant for companies developing physical products, not software.
• It is open to companies at ANY stage of development, not just startups. Entrepreneurs of any age, including students, are also welcome.
• This is not a discussion about funding nor is it a sales pitch (from either side)
• Do not expect a functioning prototype or design nor will PADT engineers solve your technical problems. To fully engage in PADT’s design, prototyping and simulation services, there will be a cost involved to be agreed upon by both parties.