Prototyping

PRICING

Plans:

You Pay:

Prototype:

Payment:

Residual Cost:

Materials Covered:

Hardware:

Firmware:

Industrial Design:

Housing:

INSPIRATION
- € 2,900 Completion in 2 months
- - Breadboard
  - 1,450€ upfront
    1,450€ upon completion
  - 0€
  - Up to 400€
  - Dev Kits Assembly
  - Test Firmware
  - No
  - Supportive Construction
    dummy line
- SEE DETAILS

BEST OFFER

DISCOVERY
- € 6,900 Completion in 3 months
- - Engineering
  - 1,900€ upfront
    2 x 2,500€/month
  - 9,900€ *
  - Up to 800€
  - Custom Formfactor PCBA
  - Test Firmware
  - No
  - No
    dummy line
- SEE DETAILS

DISCOVERY+
- € 14,900 Completion in 6 months
- - Functional
  - 2,400€ upfront
    5 x 2,500€/month
  - 24,900€ *
  - Up to 800€
  - Custom Formfactor PCBA
  - Basic Features
  - Enclosure Design
  - 3D Printed Enclosure
    dummy line
- SEE DETAILS

ASCENSION
- € 27,900 Completion in 9 months
- - Preproduction
  - 3,900€ upfront
    8 x 3,000€/month
  - 49,900€ * or equity **
  - Up to 1,600€
  - Custom Formfactor PCBA
  - Full Features + Integration Tests
  - Aesthetic & Housing Design
  - 3D Printed Enclosure
    + Finish & Paint
- SEE DETAILS

* Residual cost

The purchase amount of plan covers only the base cost for the team during the project development. You receive exclusive rights to produce your product, while we retain the IP until the license is fully paid.

The license cost depends on the selected plan and is paid as percentage of the revenue you generate once you start generating it. However, there should be a minimum of $2,000 paid each 6 months after project start as a license retainer.

You can cancel the license retainer at any time without any additional fees. In this case you lose your rights to the IP, which will then remain Zekeng’s property.

** Equity deal

Leasing is covered by a certain percentage of your company. This is a limited option and Zekeng’s team decides whether to invest.

Zekeng serves as an Operational Investor and is invested in the success of your startup. We will provide ongoing technical support and consultation and also ensure smooth transition to internal team, giving you the option to transfer the project developers to your payroll or include them as co-founders if they also express this interest.

Compare Plans

Feature	INSPIRATION	DISCOVERY	DISCOVERY+	ASCENSION
Idea Feasibility Check
Discussing Business and Design Goals
Practical Product Roadmap
Requirements Specification
Technology Feasibility Check
Proof of Concept
Engineering Validation
Market Validation
Advanced Technology Research
Breadboard Prototype
Close-to-final- product Prototype
Custom Hardware
Custom Firmware
Schematic Design
PCB Design & Assembly
Custom PCB Form Factor
Industrial Design
Mechanical Design
Photorealistic Aesthetics Design
Reusable Design
Design For Manufacturing
Regulatory Compliance Design
Materials Cost Optimization
PCB Assembly
Housing Production *
Custom Mechanical Parts *
Form Models (Mockups)
Prototype Aesthetics (Finish)
System Integration and Tests
Supporting Regulatory Testing for Product Marks

INSPIRATION
- € 2,900 Completion in 2 months
- - Breadboard prototype
  - 1,450€ upfront
    1,450€ upon project completion
  - Residual Cost: 0€
  - Materials cost covered up to 400€
  - Development Kits Assembly
  - Test Firmware (Open Source Libraries)
  - No Industrial Design
  - Supportive Construction
- LEARN MORE

BEST OFFER

DISCOVERY
- € 6,900 Completion in 3 months
- - Engineering Prototype
  - 1,900€ upfront
    2 x 2,500€/month
  - Residual Cost: 9,900€ *
  - Materials cost covered up to 800€
  - Engineering Prototype
  - Custom Form Factor PCB Assembly
  - No Firmware Development
  - No Housing Design
- LEARN MORE

DISCOVERY+
- € 14,900 6 months
- - Functional Prototype (MVP)
  - 2,400€ upfront
    5 x 2,500€/month
  - Residual Cost: 24,900€ *
  - Materials cost covered up to 800€
  - Custom Form Factor PCB Assembly
  - Custom Firmware
  - Housing Design
  - 3D Printed Housing
- LEARN MORE

ASCENSION
- € 27,900 9 months
- - Preproduction prototype
  - 3,900€ upfront
    8 x 3,000€/month
  - Residual Cost: 49,900€ * or equity **
  - Materials cost covered up to 1,600€
  - Custom Form Factor PCB Assembly & Custom Mechanical Parts
  - Full Custom Firmware & Software Integration
  - Aesthetic & Housing Design
  - 3D Printed Housing + Finish
- LEARN MORE

* Residual cost

You can cancel the license retainer at any time without any additional fees. In this case you lose your rights to the IP, which will then remain Zekeng’s property.

** Equity deal

Leasing is covered by a certain percentage of your company. This is a limited option and Zekeng’s team decides whether to invest.

Compare Plans

Feature	INSP	DISC	DISC+	ASCE
Idea Feasibility Check
Discussing Business and Design Goals
Practical Product Roadmap
Requirements Specification
Technology Feasibility Check
Proof of Concept
Engineering Validation
Market Validation
Advanced Technology Research
Breadboard Prototype
Close-to-final- product Prototype
Custom Hardware
Custom Firmware
Schematic Design
PCB Design & Assembly
Custom PCB Form Factor
Industrial Design
Mechanical Design
Photorealistic Aesthetics Design
Reusable Design
Design For Manufacturing
Regulatory Compliance Design
Materials Cost Optimization
PCB Assembly
Housing Production *
Custom Mechanical Parts *
Form Models (Mockups)
Prototype Aesthetics (Finish)
System Integration and Tests
Supporting Regulatory Testing for Product Marks

Do you need outsourcing?

We also offer outsourcing services. Click below to see our oursourcing plans.

dummy line

CHECK PLANS

Can’t find what you need?

Don’t worry. We are here to help. Click below to schedule a FREE consultation with one of our experts.

SCHEDULE

INSPIRATION PLAN

For INSPIRATION plan, we create a concept proof device a.k.a. breadboard or ‘duct-tape’ prototype, which is essential for exploring your product idea. Sometimes it is possible to examine user experience as well. For the hardware we use off-the-shelf components and development kits. For firmware/software we use free open source software and services.

Does this plan suit your needs?

The INSPIRATION plan is suitable for early stage startups which need a concept proof or validation of their idea, before investing much money, time and energy.

What You Get

Consulting

Idea Feasibility Check
Product Road Map
Design & Manufacturing Possibilities
Components and Materials
Rough Costs Estimation
Project Sketch

Development

Off-the-shelf Components Assembly
Basic Firmware (free libraries and services)
Demonstration Video
Written Reports

Goals

Explore the possibilities of your idea, methods and technical challenges
Clear set of requirements, research reports, list of basic components and materials needed for the next stage of the project
Analyze if project is achievable
Determine required resources for project completion
Provide clear picture for founders on whether to proceed or not

Why choose this plan?

Testing your idea/concept at low cost
Learning by doing
Requirements setup
Choosing basic components & materials
Setting the project frames
Finding technical challenges at early stage

Note: Usually, the prototypes made are not very robust and easy to transport without breaking out. However, we do our best to ship them if needed. Shipping cost is NOT covered by the plan and is paid separately.

By signing up for INSPIRATION plan you:

Will NOT be charged any money
Have to fill a short application form (takes about 5 to 10 minutes)
Will be contacted by us within 48 hours with an offer

DISCOVERY/DISCOVERY+ PLAN

DISCOVERY plan is geared toward startups which have already proven their concept and idea with a concept proof prototype or are using already established technology. This plan is highly suitable for software companies that have experience in app development, websites and cloud services but don’t have experience in hardware.

Does this plan suit your needs?

This plan is geared toward startups which have already proven their concept and idea with a concept proof prototype or are using already established technology. This plan is highly suitable for software companies that have experience in app development, websites and cloud services but don’t have experience in hardware.

What You Get

Consulting

Idea Feasibility Check
Product Road Map
Design & Manufacturing Possibilities
Components and Materials
High Level Design
Landed-Cost Estimation

Development

Schematic Diagram
Bill of Materials (BOM)
PCB Design (placement & routing)
PCB 3D Design (custom formfactor)
Firmware (DISCOVERY+ only)

Manufacturing

PCB Manufacturing
PCB Assembly
Hardware Tests
Hardware Developer’s Manual

Goals

Create custom hardware & form factor
Develop & test basic firmware functionalities
Create functional prototype that’s stable and can be used for demonstrations
Components used are usually production candidates

Why choose this plan?

Receive working prototype close to final version
Save money without extra cost of custom enclosure
Grab investors’ attention
Proof-of-concept: engineering methods & technology

By signing up for DISCOVERY or DISCOVERY + plan you:

Will NOT be charged any money
Have to fill a short application form (takes about 5 to 10 minutes)
Will be contacted by us within 48 hours with an offer

DISCOVERY

DISCOVERY+

ASCENSION PLAN

The ASCENSION plan covers a full-product development cycle in which 2-3 prototypes are made. The final prototype is a pre-producton version of the desired product. It is fully operational and suitable for showing to potential customers and investors.

Does this plan suit your needs?

This plan is suitable for companies that are ‘already in the business’ and want to develop a completely new product or improve a pre-existing product. It is also suitable for startups that already have funding.

What You Get

Consulting

Your Idea (feasibility check)
Your Product (goals, planning, road map)
Design & Manufacturing Possibilities
Components and Materials
Design and Production Cost
High Level Design
Landed-Cost Estimation

Development

Schematic Diagram
Bill of Materials (BOM)
PCB Design (placement & routing)
PCB 3D Design
Enclosure 3D Design
3D Printing
Firmware
Automation Tests

Manufacturing

PCB Manufacturing
PCB Assembly
Enclosure Mockup
Enclosure (CNC, 3D print, sheet metal)
Enclosure Paint & Labels
Hardware Tests
Hardware Manual

Other

Project Management
Negotiation with Suppliers
Design For Manufacturing

Goals

Production-Ready Design
Prototype for Demonstrations & Crowdfunding
Production Cost Optimization

Why choose this plan?

Receive complete prototype of your idea
Apply for compliance tests & certification
Enable pre-sales or crowdfunding
Ready for final-stage funding
Be prepared for mass production

Note: The ASCENSION plan covers moldable design but DOES NOT cover the molding or any related tools. Rapid prototyping approach is used instead.

By signing up for ASCENSION plan you:

Will NOT be charged any money
Have to fill a short application form (takes about 5 to 10 minutes)
Will be contacted by us within 48 hours with an offer

Frequently Asked Questions

I cannot choose a plan. What should I do?

Don’t worry. That’s why we’re here. Go ahead and order a basic consultation plan and a Zekeng representative will call you. Together, you can select the most appropriate plan. If you cannot decide, you’ll only be billed for the consultation. If we cannot help you with your project, you will receive a full refund. The consultation price is deductable from the plan.

What do I receive during consultation?

The main goal of the initial consultation is to understand your goals and decide what resources you will need to do the project. A few days after consulting, you will receive a report that contains a detailed record of meeting, idea feasibility check, and basic technology research.

What if, in the middle of the project, the price of the materials turns out to be higher than expected?

Normally, this doesn’t happen. Zekeng has enough experience to estimate the initial production costs. However, there are always exceptions. In this case Zekeng assumes the risk.

Can I pay weekly?

Of course you can, but we will add markup that will cover the bank and administration expenses.

In which cases you do accept equity?

Sometimes we find really good projects that resonate with us. Why? Because we believe we can add additional value to the project’s success. By evaluating the project, we may decide to invest the leasing payment in your project by acquiring equity. Unfortunatelly, we cannot invest in all projects.

When do you collect payments?

Payments are collected at the beginning of each month. The upfront payment is considered payment for the first month.

How predictable is the scheduling for a project?

We do our best to maintain an efficient schedule. Time periods for each plan are approximations. In the hardware world, unlike software, we wait for suppliers, components and production. This always add overhead. Sometimes it is predictable, sometimes it is not.

Can I switch from one package to another?

You are free to do so, and we encourage it!

Can I cancel the project during development phase?

With the exception of MVPs, all packages can be canceled but doesn’t include upfront and current-month payments.

What happens when I select a plan?

After selecting a plan, you have to fill a short questionnaire and order the basic consulting plan. Within the next few days, a representative of the Zekeng team will contact you to set up a consulting call. If we’re unable to move forward with your project, you will receive a full refund.

What do 'material costs' cover?

The material costs is the price of materials and components for production that is included in the package. If the price is higher, it is paid as an extra expense without markup.

When do I pay the residual cost?

In order to preserve the intellectual property, you should pay the residual cost. Residual cost is paid only in case of product success or further investment stage. However, the payments shouldn’t be less than $2000 during a 6-month period. You can always cancel the leasing but you will forfeit the IP.

How can I communicate with the team?

You can communicate through the project managers. This ensures that your thoughts and concerns are taken into account while the team is able to focus on your project with no distractions.

When am I able to see the results?

This is contingent on the particular plan. We try to allow clients to test working prototype as much as possible.

What is product cost optimization, and why is it important?

Cost optimization is the choosing of components at the best cost-to-quality ratio. This is important because parts should maintain the right balance of quality and cost-effectiveness, ensuring efficient and successful production.

What is considered product success?

We define it as a successful product launch with expected sales or successful funding.