The honest answer is: it depends on what we are building, how much is already defined, and how far you need us to take it.  Read more below or contact us to discuss your needs and understand your project’s potential cost. 

A good way to think about “how much will my project cost” it to say “I want to develop an airplane.” Are we designing a model airplane, an autonomous aircraft, or a jetliner? Each one may be called an “airplane,” but the scope, risk, complexity, testing, documentation, and cost are completely different.

Product development works the same way.

Some projects need a focused design review, prototype refinement, manufacturability input, or early technical direction. Others require full concept development, mechanical design, electronics packaging, prototyping, testing, documentation, and production transfer. We tailor the scope to the problem, the product stage, and the decisions you need to make next.

Because most product development work is not fully predictable at the start, we typically work on a time-and-materials basis under an authorized funding level. That means we define the initial scope, estimate the level of effort, and agree on a funding limit before work begins. We communicate as we go, manage priorities together, and do not exceed the authorized amount without approval.

For new clients in the early phases of development, we usually begin with a bounded first phase of $5,000 of more. This helps us refine a product’s concept, discover technical risks/opportunities, or define the right design path forward before committing to a larger development effort or physical prototype.   

When a project is highly predictable and tightly defined, we may propose a fixed-price phase. In most cases, especially with new products, early prototypes, ruggedized hardware, or complex integrated systems, a flexible structure is the better way to protect quality, speed, and budget.

The best next move is a short conversation. We’ll help you understand the likely level of effort, whether Catania is a fit, and what kind of initial scope makes sense.