Custom Electronics Design.
From Concept to Mass Production.
Transforming your vision into a market-ready product.
We provide a comprehensive R&D process: hardware, embedded software, industrialization, and certification. We take full ownership of the technology stack so you can focus on your business.
Why is design more than just a schematic?
Why is design more than just a schematic?
Many engineers can connect components on a PCB. At ICU tech, we view electronics design through a broader lens: Product Lifecycle Management (PLM).
We don’t just build prototypes for the sake of prototyping. Every project is executed with its final purpose in mind: scalability for mass production, reliability in harsh environments, and full compliance with target markets and standards (CE, FCC, MDR, FDA). Thanks to our DFM (Design for Manufacturing) approach, you avoid costly revisions during the production launch phase. Whether you are a startup or a large enterprise, we deliver stable technology that scales alongside your business.
Your product in 8 steps. A comprehensive R&D process.
Each stage is designed to minimize both investment and technological risk.
1. Specification and Concept
The Problem: Overly vague assumptions at the start are the primary cause of budget overruns and missed deadlines.
The ICU tech Solution: Before we trace the first path, we verify the technical and business viability of the idea. We create a “Product Roadmap.”
What we do:
- Requirements Engineering: Translating your vision into technical language with functional, technical, and business requirements.
- System Architecture: Selecting optimal technologies to avoid “over-engineering” (excessive cost) or limiting future growth.
- Feasibility Study: Estimating R&D costs and timelines, along with a preliminary BOM (Bill of Materials) analysis before work begins.
2. Proof of Concept (PoC)
The Problem: Investing heavily in a full design without certainty that the core functionality will work.
The ICU tech Solution: Rapid verification. If the idea has technical or functional weak points, we find them now—when they are cheapest to fix.
What we do:
- Rapid Prototyping: Building a functional “bench model” to validate assumptions.
- Critical Technology Testing: Verifying radio range, sensor precision, or battery performance.
- Go/No-Go Decision: You receive hard data to make an informed investment decision for the MVP. If the PoC fails to meet established criteria, we offer a money-back guarantee.
3. Hardware Design
The Problem: Prototypes that work in the lab but are impossible to mass-produce or result in high yield losses.
The ICU tech Solution: Designing for durability, Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), and DFM (Design for Manufacturing).
What we do:
- Schematics and PCB: Multi-layer printed circuit boards (HDI, Rigid-Flex, Flex) in Altium Designer or KiCAD.
- Component Selection: Optimizing costs from day one and selecting components with long lifecycles (avoiding EoL – End of Life) to ensure long-term manufacturability.
- Mechanical Integration: Collaboration with enclosure designers to fit electronics within the physical constraints of the device.
4. Embedded Software
The Problem: Unstable code, difficulties with field updates, and security vulnerabilities.
The ICU tech Solution: Developing secure, scalable code that serves as the heart of your device.
What we do:
- Firmware: Microcontroller programming (STM32, Nordic, Microchip, and others) – Bare Metal or RTOS (FreeRTOS, Zephyr).
- IoT Connectivity: Supporting Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LoRaWAN, LTE-M/NB-IoT, and Zigbee stacks.
- Bootloaders and OTA: Over-The-Air update systems to allow product evolution post-sale.
- Embedded Linux: System implementation on application processors (Yocto, Buildroot).
5. Prototyping
The Problem: Detecting design flaws only during mass production (resulting in massive costs).
The ICU tech Solution: Iterative prototyping with near-final quality.
What we do:
- PCBA Prototyping: Rapid assembly of electronic packages (starting from 1 unit).
- Bring-up: “Enlivening” the electronics, flashing firmware, and verifying all functionalities.
- Risk Mitigation: Early detection of mechanical interference or thermal issues.
6. Testing and Validation
The Problem: A device that fails to meet requirements, crashes at the customer site, or fails regulatory testing.
The ICU tech Solution: Rigorous testing in our laboratory.
What we do:
- Functional Testing: Automated test scenarios verifying every feature of the device.
- Environmental Testing: Verification of operation in extreme temperatures and humidity.
- Pre-compliance EMC: Preliminary emission and immunity testing (to avoid costly re-tests in certified labs).
7. Certification
The Problem: Complex legal regulations and standards that block market entry (CE, FCC, UKCA, MDR, FDA).
The ICU tech Solution: We guide you through the technical bureaucracy. You don’t need to know the standards—we do.
What we do:
- Technical Documentation: Preparing the full set of documents required for market launch.
- Representation: Collaborating with accredited laboratories and supervising the testing process.
- Compliance Analysis: Demonstrating compliance with directives (RED, LVD, EMC, RoHS).
- Medical: Support in medical device certification (MDR, FDA, ISO 13485).
8. Industrialization and Production Launch
The Problem: The engineer designed it, but the factory can’t build it (or production is too expensive).
The ICU tech Solution: Preparing the “Golden Sample” and documentation that allows for production at any facility worldwide.
What we do:
- BOM Optimization: Final component optimization and sourcing alternatives.
- Production Testers: Designing and building FCT (Functional Circuit Test) fixtures for the production line.
- Production Files: Gerber files, Pick&Place, and assembly instructions.
- Support: Supervising the Pilot Run.
Technologies We Master
Our competencies cover the latest industrial standards and engineering tools.
PCB Design
Altium Designer
KiCAD
Inventor
FreeCAD (Mechanical Support)
Mikrokontrolery (MCU)
ST (STM32, STM8)
NXP
Nordic Semiconductor (nRF)
Microchip (AVR, SAM, PIC)
Operating Systems
FreeRTOS
Zephyr
Embedded Linux
Yocto
Bare Metal
Wireless Communication
Bluetooth
Bluetooth LE
Wi-Fi
LoRaWAN
NB-IoT/LTE-M
Zigbee
Thread
Wired Communication
CAN
RS232
RS485
Modbus
Ethernet
Profinet
USB
LIN
Programming Languages
C
C++
C#
Python (Testing/Scripting)
Assembler (Critical Sections)
Protecting Your Project and Business
Design is built on trust. These are the principles we follow:
- 100% IP Rights for You. We don’t use “dirty tricks” to lock you in. We want you to stay with us because of the quality of our work. Upon project completion, we transfer all documentation, source files, and intellectual property rights. You can produce and develop the device wherever you choose.
- Transparency and Fixed Price. We provide detailed quotes. If we agree on a Fixed Price, we take the risk of any budget overruns. You get access to the code repository and real-time insight into progress.
- Medical and Industrial Standards (ISO). We operate based on ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 (Medical Devices). Our processes guarantee the repeatability, traceability, and quality required in the most restrictive industries.
- Communication without “Corporate-speak”. We report problems as soon as they arise and propose solutions. We have a short decision-making chain—you won’t wait weeks for an answer.
Have a vision?
Transform it into a market-ready product.
You don’t need to be an expert in standards and directives. We provide a comprehensive R&D process: from Hardware and Firmware to Implementation and Certification.
Contact us to validate your idea with our CEO, Bartek Skelnik.
FAQ
A mini-compendium for investors and engineers seeking an R&D partner.
Czy po zakończeniu projektu otrzymam pełne prawa do kodu i schematów?
Yes, this is standard at ICU tech. Unlike some firms, we do not license custom-made solutions. Once the project is paid for, we transfer all intellectual property rights to the client. You receive a complete production package (Gerber files, BOM, Pick&Place), the original PCB source project, and open-source firmware/software code. This ensures you have full control over the product and are not dependent on a single vendor (no vendor lock-in).
How much does it cost to design an electronic device?
R&D project costs vary based on system complexity. Key factors include:
- PCB complexity (layer count, High-Speed/RF technologies).
- Embedded software complexity (OS vs. Bare Metal).
- Certification requirements (Standard CE vs. Medical certification).
- The need for dedicated production testers.
We always start with a free quote based on your specification or an initial discovery call.
How do you handle component availability (global chip shortages)?
We employ an Active BOM Management strategy. Even at the concept and schematic stage, we verify the availability of key Integrated Circuits (ICs) with global distributors. We avoid components marked as NRND (Not Recommended for New Design) or EoL (End of Life). If there is a risk of shortages, we design alternative footprints or secure stock before mass production begins.
Do you have experience in medical device design?
Yes, we specialize in medical electronics. Our design processes comply with ISO 13485. We support clients not only in hardware but also in Risk Analysis (ISO 14971) and the preparation of technical documentation required for medical device certification (MDR, FDA).
What does post-implementation support (Product Lifecycle) look like?
Our role doesn’t end with delivering documentation. We offer product maintenance support, including:
- Software updates (including OTA – Over-The-Air mechanisms).
- Redesign in case of component obsolescence.
- Development of new features for future versions. Many of our clients work with us for years, treating us as their external R&D department.
Do you sign an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) before hearing my idea?
Yes, protecting your Intellectual Property (IP) is our priority. We standardly sign an NDA before the first technical discussion or the exchange of specifications. We guarantee full discretion—your competition won’t know we are working on your technology.
Which microcontroller and communication technologies do you use?
We are technology agnostic—we choose the tool for the problem, not the other way around. However, we most frequently work with:
- MCU: STM32, Nordic Semiconductor (nRF52/53), Microchip (AVR/PIC).
- Systemy: FreeRTOS, Zephyr, Embedded Linux (Yocto/Buildroot).
- Komunikacja: Bluetooth LE, Wi-Fi, LoRaWAN, NB-IoT, LTE-M, CAN, Modbus, Ethernet.
Validate your product idea.
Contact us and schedule a free consultation with our CEO, Bartek Skelnik.
You will receive a preliminary feasibility analysis and cost estimate. No obligations.
