Product Development Fundamentals

Find out what it takes to bring your product concept to market.

Many aspiring entrepreneurs have an idea for a new product, but don’t know where to start. Others want to rush in, thinking they can get a contract manufacturer to quote and produce their product, which they can then start selling online. But in both scenarios, entrepreneurs vastly underestimate how much time, effort, money, and coordination it will take to make an idea a reality.

From forming a business entity, to developing a market strategy, to locating technical resources, to exploring funding opportunities, there are many steps that need to be taken to transform an idea into a viable product. When these steps are followed, they can dramatically increase the odds that your product will be a success, both initially and long term, while limiting the risk of failure, and maximizing profitability.

Workshop Topics Include:
  • Free and low-cost resources for startups in NY’s innovation ecosystem
  • Forming a legal business entity: Why it’s important and who can help
  • How to validate your product need (market research, customer discovery, business plan, pitch deck)
  • Where to find support, guidance, mentors, and put together a winning team
  • The process of going from concept to prototype to engineered product to manufacturing
  • An overview of funding strategies (how much, when, from whom?) and tips for successful funding campaigns
This workshop will help demystify the entrepreneurial process and provide resources that can help along the way. By understanding ahead of time what the path to success looks like and what commitments will be required, this event can help you decide if this journey is really for you.

Space is limited and this event will fill up fast. Register now to get a seat at the table.

August 7, 2024 | 8 AM - 5 PM


Science Hall
SUNY New Paltz,
1 Hawk Drive, New Paltz, NY 12561

Why Attend?

Industry experts will provide step by step insights on product development, and you will learn about the critical mistakes most startups make and how to avoid them. You will also leave the workshop with valuable contacts, guides, and checklists that can help keep your progress on track.

Who is the Workshop for?

This event will help first time entrepreneurs or startups who are looking to demystify the process of developing a hardware product and bringing it to market. If you have a hardware concept you are interested in exploring further or even a prototype (not necessary, but certainly welcome), you should consider attending.

Registration Cost

$100 per person
(includes continental breakfast, lunch, and reception)

Hotel Information
America’s Best Value Inn New Paltz

7 Terwilliger Ln,
New Paltz, NY 12561

Room rates are $100 + tax. Receive this rate by calling (845)255-8865.

Room rates are under the name ‘FuzeHub Connect’ and the group code is G240508S.

Our Partners and Sponsors

Agenda

  • 8:00 AM
    Registration, Breakfast
  • 9:00 AM
    Welcome

    Dr. Everton H. Henriques, MA, HON., FuzeHub
    Dr. Darrell P. Wheeler, President, SUNY New Paltz
    David Carter, Executive Director, MTEC

  • 9:15 AM
    Event Overview & Self Introductions

    Eric Fasser, FuzeHub

  • 10:00 AM
    Intro to NY's Hidden Ecosystem of Resources for Entrepreneurs

    Eric Fasser, FuzeHub

  • 10:15 AM
    How Business Incubators can Accelerate your Path to Commercialization

    Eliza Edge, Hudson Valley Venture Hub

  • 10:45 AM
    Break
  • 11:00 AM
    Funding Myths vs. Reality / Financial Strategies for Entrepreneurs that Succeed

    Patty Rechberger, FuzeHub

  • 12:00 PM
    Lunch
  • 12:30 PM
    Walking Tour of the Hudson Valley Additive Manufacturing Center (HVAMC)

    Kat Wilson, SUNY New Paltz

  • 1:30 PM
    Technical Resources Every NY Entrepreneur Should Know

    Eric Fasser, FuzeHub

  • 1:45 PM
    Understanding the Process of Going from Concept to Prototype to Finished Product

    Bob Incerto, MTEC

  • 2:15 PM
    Best Practices when Partnering with a Contract Manufacturer

    Alethea Schaeffer, USHECO

  • 2:45 PM
    Break
  • 3:00 PM
    Marketing Do’s and Don’ts for Startups

    Steve Melito, FuzeHub

  • 3:30 PM
    Closing Comments / Q&A

    Eric Fasser, FuzeHub

  • 3:45 PM
    Conclusion, Prizes, Reception & Networking

    Dr. Everton H. Henriques, MA, HON

  • 5:00 PM
    End of Event

Speakers

Everton's focus is helping the manufacturing community, general industry, start-ups, local colleges, and universities to advance innovation and technology. More...
Dr. Everton H. Henriques, MA, HON
Director of Manufacturing and Technology Initiatives, FuzeHub
Eric has held various product development roles with manufacturing companies for over 20 years. Prior to joining FuzeHub he ran his own engineering and prototyping firm and now manages FuzeHub’s Solutions Program. More...
Eric Fasser
Solutions Program Manager, FuzeHub
Steve Melito is the Senior Solutions Specialist for FuzeHub and the host of its NYS Manufacturing Now podcast. He also moderates events for FuzeHub and is a regular contributor to its print and digital publications. More...
Steve Melito
Senior Solutions Specialist, FuzeHub
Bob is the Principal Engineer and Director of the MTEC Engineering Consulting Service. They provide product solutions and prototype designs to meet the needs of small to medium manufacturers in the Hudson Valley and surrounding areas. More...
Bob Incerto
Director of Engineering Consulting Services, Manufacturing and Technology Enterprise Center (MTEC)
Patty Rechberger is the Innovation Fund Manager at FuzeHub. Patty coordinates and administers activities under the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, from inquiries and initial submissions to reporting on metrics and program successes after project completion. More...
Patty Rechberger
Innovation Fund Manager, FuzeHub
Darrell P. Wheeler, PhD, MPH, MSW, is the 9th President of the State University of New York (SUNY) New Paltz. More...
Dr. Darrell P. Wheeler, PhD, MPH, MSW
President, SUNY New Paltz
Eliza brings 10+ years' experience as both an entrepreneur and a developer of programming to support entrepreneurship. Read More...
Eliza Edge
Program Director, Hudson Valley Venture Hub at SUNY New Paltz
David joined the MTEC team as Executive Director in September 2023 with a clear mission to deepen relationships with clients and partners and to build upon MTEC’s impressive legacy. Read More >
David Carter
Executive Director, MTEC
Over the last 10 years, Kat has worked with over 400 manufacturers, artists, fabricators and inventors in the Mid-Hudson region, providing professional level 3D printing output and design work. She also helped develop New Paltz's Digital Design and Fabrication program and regularly teaches CAD and additive manufacturing courses. Read More...
Kat Wilson
Interim Director, Hudson Valley Additive Manufacturing Center (HVAMC) at SUNY New Paltz
Alethea utilizes her 22 years of experience in manufacturing, education in engineering, and backgrounds in a plethora of industries to guide customers from concept through design. Read More...
Alethea Schaeffer
VP, Sales & Engineering, Usheco, Inc.
Exhibitor Inquiry
Attendee Request Form: 2023 Hardware Prototyping Workshop
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