Of course we've looked into 3D printing and yes, we've seen 'that' youtube video, but as amazing as 3D printing is, it's still not the best option for producing an alpha-prototype with multiple materials and moving parts.
canberra innovation network
We got the great news that we'd got through to the second round of the ICON grant application a week before we our epic hiking adventure through the Grand Canyon. The application was due three days before we got back and there was no possability of an extention. What to do?
So a while back my sister and I had a tense discussion about applying for ICON, Canberra Innovation Grant. We needed capital (aka money) to get our product ideas off the ground but truly believed we didn't stand a chance of getting it.
While many business do actually get their stuff produced cheaply in China, they're not startups with no money and no industry knowledge or contacts. Writing to China with a few blueprints from a hotmail account isn't going to get you very far.
Looking at our Kickstarter stats we were surprised to discover that the articles and TV feature had generated next to no extra traffic to our page. Take from that what you will, but we think it's a pretty good indicator that the Kickstarter audience isn't watching linear television or reading traditional newspapers. That or everyone just hated our idea.