Inventor's Roadmap: Navigating Physical Product Development

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Have a product idea but no clue where to start? This webinar breaks the journey from concept to manufactured product into clear, manageable steps—design, prototyping, testing, protecting IP, and scaling up.

Hosted by the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce and MakeHaven, and led by J.R. Logan (Executive Director, MakeHaven), you’ll get a high-level roadmap plus a look at the real tools that help ideas become reality. We present this event in celebration of National Manufacturing Week.

Who Should Attend

• Aspiring inventors & early-stage entrepreneurs

• Service providers (lawyers, marketers, consultants) who support product creators

We Will Introduce the Roadmap

• The innovators path: idea → prototype → market-ready product

• Perspectives on how to: testing, feedback, and refinement

• Where to find help: MakeHaven resources and partners like FORGE

Bonus: Virtual Shop Tour
See CNC routers, laser cutters, an injection molder, and more—live—so you can picture how you’ll build your own prototypes.

Meet the Panelists

Nicholas McGhee Founder, Darkstar Marine Hardware Nicholas McGhee is the founder of Darkstar Marine Hardware, where he designs and sells innovative mounts for Starlinks in the marine and RV markets. A creative problem solver and experienced design engineer, he has brought numerous designs and prototypes to life using the tools and community at MakeHaven. Website | LinkedIn

Erick E. Rios VP of Engineering, Big Bang Erick E. Rios is the VP of Engineering at Big Bang and a product design expert with over two decades of experience. He leads a diverse team in delivering new product experiences for clients from Fortune 500 companies to startups, focusing on creating a user experience that fosters engagement and delight. Website | LinkedIn

Trinell Ball Program Director, FORGE Trinell Ball is the Program Director for FORGE in Connecticut, where he enables innovation by creating a supportive manufacturing ecosystem for hardware founders. With experience from Toyota's Silicon Valley operations and Goodyear’s Innovation Lab, he is a dedicated ecosystem collaborator and connector. Website | LinkedIn

Agenda

• 12:00–12:05 Welcome & quick intros in chat

• 12:05–12:15 Presentation: The Inventor’s Roadmap

• 12:15–12:30 Live tour of MakeHaven’s workshop
  - Focus stops:
     - Injection Molder
     - Wood CNC Machine

• 12:30–12:40 Panelist Introductions & Resources
  - Trinell Ball, FORGE
  - Nicholas McGhee, Darkstar Marine Hardware
  - Erick E. Rios, Big Bang

• 12:40–1:00 Q&A
   

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A collaboration of MakeHaven and Greater New Haven Chamber

About MakeHaven
A 10,000+ sq ft nonprofit makerspace in downtown New Haven offering 24/7 access to tools for wood, metal, electronics, textiles, and digital fabrication—plus a supportive, inclusive community.

About GNHCC
The mission of the Greater New Haven Chamber is to be an advocate for business, a valuable resource for our members, a venue for connections, and a promoter of economic growth that is shared and inclusive.