• 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
• 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.
• Monthly check-in meetings with COG staff to provide feedback and advice on progress.
• Use of our address as your legal business location.  
• Access to special SOLIDWORKS, Fusion360, and OnShape licence pricing for the duration of the program
• Innovate 518 Hotspot tax incentives for eligable companies upon successful completion of the program

Lead Mentors

Troy Fischer, FishCo Innovation - A veteran toy inventor of 25 years with hundreds of products under his belt. His mechanical and optical innovations have appeared in products for Marvel Entertainment, Hasbro, Fisher-Price, Spin Master, and Jakks Pacific.

John Corey - Designer, innovator, & successful entrepreneur of energy-related consumer products, fuel cells, and conversion devices, as well as cellular and other window shade products.

...and many more! While these are our go-to mentors, thanks our extensive community, we're able to connect your startup with someone specifically aligned to your needs. 

Partner Vendors

Offering discounts and priority access to TVCOG members. 

Fun Stuff Design - A creative and industrial design studio specializing in novel sustainable materials and sustainable product development.

Alex Titcomb - Prototype and short-run machining services. Capabilities include 3+1 milling (Tormach 770M) and lathe (Tormach 15L).

Duncan Crary Communications - Press releases, copywriting & ghost writing, event planning & promotion, website creation, social media.

informal.cc - A freelance collective of engineers and designers passionate about developing, launching, and scaling physical products.

• Incubated Maker membership dues, starting at $135 per person, billed monthly (or $1,620 annually). 
• A rough prototype, detailed prototype plan, or an MVP ready for manufacturing optimization. 
• An initial business model canvas, or similar roadmap, for your company. 
• Dedicated entrepreneur or team that will devote the time and effort in the program. At least one person on the team should have a technical background to drive physical development. 
• Minumum 1 year, maximum 3 years, depending on your readiness level and amount of time you require to complete agreed upon project goals. .

• Start by completing our Application Questionnaire so we can learn more about your business. We may contact you to clarify any details. 
• We will schedule an Introductory Meeting with our Manufacturing Incubator intake team to verify our program is a good fit for your needs. 
• We will provide a notice of acceptance or rejection (with reasons why). Total process takes about 3 to 4 weeks.