An Environment Tailored to Hardware Startups

Looking for inspiration from those who have done it before? Our Incubated Maker membership offers a supportive environment for product development startups, through workshop access, networking, mentorship, and need-based referrals. If you are developing a physical product and are working on prototype development, design for manufacturing, scaling up, or other related design and manufacturing problems, this member level is for you.

You can connect with knowledgable professionals, fabricate your prototype, and manufacture your product all in the same building. 

We are a supportive, collaborative, and inspiring community for early-stage entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. In light of that mission, we don’t take any equity in our member companies. Instead, members pay a monthly fee to access our space, plus additional fees for dedicated workspace and services as needed. We bring in revenue from other sources, including partnerships and grants, to keep membership fees low for all members.

Incubated Maker

  • Starting at $145/month
  • 24/7 access to our makerspace and maker community, featuring over $250,000 of fabrication equipment, and 250+ makers with a wide range of technical knowledge and skills.
  • Ability to rent dedicated space within our building, for prototyping, manufacturing, or office work. 
  • Guidance from an experienced Manufacturing Mentor, chosen based on your most immediate technical needs (mechanics, electronics, software, hardware, etc)
  • Connections with regional and statewide resources for:
    • funding (grants, investors, and loans)
    • manufacturing referrals
    • business assistance
  • Use of our address as your legal business location.  
  • Access to special pricing for SOLIDWORKS, Fusion360, OnShape, and any other program that has offers for incubated startups.
  • Innovate 518 Hotspot tax incentives for eligable companies upon successful completion of the program
  • 100% ownership of your product – we don’t ask for any equity in your business
  • A defined scope of work for the incubation period covering recommended prioritized actions, taking into account your project’s current status, goals, and timeline.
  • Regular check-in meetings with COG staff to provide feedback and advice on progress.
Apply Here

In-House Design for Manufacturing and Machining Services

In-House Fabrication Services

Transitioning from a looks-like/works-like prototype to a manufacturable product is a long process. Our in-house machinist, Alex, can help bridge that gap with design consultation, prototyping, and fabrication services. Services are available by request. Free initial consultation and special rates are offered for TVCOG Incubated Maker and Professional Maker members!

We can also advise on local contract manufacturing resources, and help prep your team to ensure your plan and prototype are prepared for a smooth, productive engagement.

Request Assistance

In-House Industrial Design and Project Consulting

Product Development through a Designer’s Lens

Fun Stuff Design, led by Dierdre Shea and Julian Goldman, is ideally positioned to be your external internal design team.

Using their deep knowledge of manufacturing techniques and sustainable materials, they can craft anything from marketing demos to validation prototypes, keeping the end-user experience front of mind.

View Services

Customized 1-on-1 Training & Professional Development

Hardware is Hard.

No matter where you end up on the scale of “internal production” to “contract manufacture,” understanding how to make things is critical to the success of any hardware company.

We provide training on every piece of equipment that we offer, ensuring that your team is fully equipped with the skills needed to build, learn, and iterate faster.

No need to wait for the next cohort – we’ll get you skilled up when you need it most.

See Some of our Offerings