One of my first customers was a really neat project called MiniPCR that went on to successfully exceeded its Kickstarter goal with a campaign that raised $66,000 to build a desktop polymerase chain reaction (PCR) DNA sequencing device for under $500–a tenth of the price of typical lab machines. This project was a perfect example of the type of customer we can be a great partner for.

Kickstarter campaigns are most successful when they’re launched after a product has been put through the paces with a small group of test users. While Zeke was able to make the first MiniPCR by hand in his garage to prove the basic design, the process was extremely time-consuming and yielded parts that were functional but unattractive. That’s when he found Seaport R&D.

Over the course of about 9 months, we made sets of parts for a total of about 50 machines in batch sizes from one to 20 sets. Numerous small design changes were made along the way, allowing Zeke and his team to economically test design improvements before committing to a large production run. By the time their campaign launched, they knew they could deliver a working machine at a viable cost, and their success speaks for itself.

MiniPCR parts being machined in a custom fixture

If you need prototypes or pre-production samples for your crowdfunding project, contact us today to find out how we can help make your campaign a success.