How is this different from an ODM or a PCBA platform?
Platforms are self-serve; ODMs start caring at 5,000 units. We exist for the stage before all of that: 1–50 units, sub-$30k budgets, a founder who needs a working device and straight answers — from a bridge, not a factory.
Will you steal my idea?
Our business is service revenue, not products — copying you once would end it. Mutual NDA before any disclosure, contracts with IP-assignment clauses under the governing law you choose, and you hold every source file from milestone one.
Is the instant scan a real quote?
No — it's an indicative estimate (±30%) from open component pricing. A hardware engineer reviews every scan within 24–48h and replies by email with corrections before anything is formally quoted.
What happens after I say yes?
Every project gets its own plan — no template timelines. We scope it, itemize it, and you approve before we spend a dollar. From there: weekly video updates from the bench, and source files handed over at every milestone. Simple builds run days; complex ones run months — the plan we quote is the plan you approved.
Where do you actually build?
We run a curated supplier network across East Asia's manufacturing hubs and match each job to the best-fit shop — PCB, CNC, molding, assembly. You see who does what; suppliers only see their slice of the design.
What if my prototype needs certification?
Prototypes for private demos generally don't. The moment you sell or crowdfund, you do — the free scan maps FCC/CE/UKCA/RCM/TELEC needs, and we run lab bookings during pilot runs.
Why is there no price list?
Because an AI hardware project isn't a SKU — a one-mic pendant and an NPU desktop terminal differ by 20×. Instead, two real anchors: your first estimate is free, and every formal quote is itemized down to parts, labor, outsourcing and our margin. You always see where the money goes.
What if I need 500+ units / mass production?
Welcome — but we deliberately don't run production lines ourselves. Staying light and neutral is the point: for volume, our Scout service sources vetted factories, collects real quotes (no hidden markup) and supervises on your behalf. You keep the supplier relationships and every file. We'll even tell you when going direct is cheaper.
