Invention Development & Prototyping Support

Help inventors develop and prototype inventions for patenting

Startup Cost
$25,000-$150,000
Difficulty
Advanced
Time to Profit
12-24 months
Profit Potential
$8,000-$67,000/month

Overview

Invention developers generate $100,000-$800,000 annually with 65-85% margins.

In 2025, developed inventions are more patentable and marketable.

Revenue from invention development consulting ($2,000-$15,000), prototype development ($3,000-$50,000), CAD modeling and engineering ($1,500-$15,000), proof-of-concept development ($5,000-$40,000), manufacturability assessment, and invention commercialization support.

Successful developers have engineering and prototyping expertise, refine invention concepts, create CAD models and technical drawings, build prototypes and proof-of-concepts, assess commercial viability, and support patent filing with developed inventions.

Inventors and entrepreneurs as clients.

Marketing through inventor associations, maker spaces and incubators, innovation competitions, engineering and prototyping capabilities, and invention development track record.

Required Skills

  • Engineering & Design
  • CAD Modeling
  • Prototyping
  • Product Development
  • Manufacturability
  • Innovation Methods

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • High fees for development and prototyping
  • Help inventors bring ideas to life
  • Multiple revenue streams
  • Support patent filing with prototypes
  • Growing maker and inventor ecosystem

Cons

  • Need engineering and prototyping expertise
  • Prototyping equipment and costs
  • Inventor budgets often limited
  • Many inventions never reach market
  • Confidentiality and IP assignment critical

How to Get Started

  1. Build engineering and prototyping capabilities
  2. Invest in CAD software and prototyping equipment
  3. Develop invention development methodologies
  4. Market to inventors and entrepreneurs
  5. Refine and develop invention concepts
  6. Create CAD models and build prototypes
  7. Support patent filing and commercialization

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