Humanmade Founder Session - Beyond the Prototype
Preparing hardware for manufacturing and production.
A prototype proves that an idea can work. Building a product that can be manufactured reliably, affordably, and at scale is a very different challenge.
This Founder Session explores what it takes to bridge that gap. Through real-world experience and practical discussion, our speakers will share lessons from bringing hardware products into production, navigating manufacturing decisions, and avoiding common pitfalls that can slow down—or derail—the journey from prototype to product.
Joining us will be Steve Dussé. He has a decades-long track record of bringing products from back-of-the napkin sketches to high volume, low cost manufacturing spanning consumer electronics, IOT devices and power products. EE by training, Steve has led product development across a variety of engineering disciplines. Steve is currently VP Engineering for SPAN.IO overseeing a portfolio of smart circuit breaker panels
Whether you’re still refining your first prototype or beginning conversations with manufacturers, you’ll leave with a better understanding of what production readiness really looks like.
Topics may include:
Designing for manufacturing and repeatability
Choosing manufacturing processes and production pathways
Working with suppliers and manufacturing partners
Understanding cost, quality, and scalability tradeoffs
Common production challenges—and how to avoid them
Audience Q&A
This event is part of the 2026 Humanmade Hardware Accelerator, supported in part by a grant from the California Office of the Small Business Advocate, while remaining open to the broader startup and hardware community. Whether you’re building your first hardware product or simply curious about what it takes to manufacture one, you’re welcome to join us.
Schedule
4:30 PM — Doors open, networking
5:00 PM — Founder Session
6:00 PM — Audience Q&A
6:30 PM — Networking