Powerhouse Bootcamp · Shenzhen

Turn your hardware idea into a prototype in 8 weeks.

Building hardware is hard because every decision depends on manufacturing, suppliers, engineering, and timing. Powerhouse gives founders direct access to Shenzhen's ecosystem — so you can validate your product faster, avoid expensive mistakes, and leave with a prototype that's ready for manufacturing conversations and investor meetings.

Apply for the next cohort

This program is for founders who:

  • Already have an idea or an early prototype
  • Want to build in Shenzhen but don't know where to start
  • Need supplier and manufacturing guidance
  • Are preparing for fundraising
  • Want experienced hardware operators reviewing their product decisions
The outcome

By the end you'll have a functional prototype for customer testing and investor demonstration — plus:

  • A clearer product roadmap
  • A manufacturable prototype direction
  • Validated manufacturing assumptions
  • Connections with relevant factories and suppliers
  • Feedback from experienced hardware founders and engineers
  • Stronger materials for investor conversations
  • A network inside Shenzhen to keep building after the program
Included

What's included in the 8-week Shenzhen build sprint:

  • Dedicated workspace inside the Powerhouse community
  • Hands-on introduction to Shenzhen's manufacturing ecosystem
  • Shenzhen supply chain orientation and factory access
  • Access to selected investor and VC network opportunities
What you also get

Five bonuses to de-risk the build.

Reusable tools and follow-up support you keep after the sprint ends.

Bonus 1
Supplier Evaluation Scorecard A reusable system for comparing factories, costs, lead times, MOQs and risk.
Bonus 2
Manufacturing Cost Model A preliminary model covering unit cost, tooling, packaging, logistics and expected margins.
Bonus 3
Investor Manufacturing Pack A structured set of slides explaining suppliers, production economics, milestones and use of funds.
Bonus 4
Post-Bootcamp Supplier Support Thirty or sixty days of follow-up support after you leave Shenzhen.
Bonus 5
Hardware Founder Advisory Sessions Private reviews with founders who have already moved from prototype to production.
Limited cohort

Build without the costly mistakes.

Build without spending months cold-sourcing factories, relying on unverified suppliers, or learning manufacturing through expensive mistakes.

Apply now
Applications close September 1. The cohort is limited to 8 founders, so each company receives individual supplier matching and weekly product reviews.
Why Shenzhen

Work where the whole supply chain is within reach.

Shenzhen is the best place in the world for hardware companies to prototype, iterate, and manufacture. Instead of spending months coordinating remotely, you'll work where suppliers, factories, engineers, and components are all in one place.

Why founders choose Powerhouse

Guidance from operators who've done it.

People who've run successful Kickstarter campaigns, raised $35 million, and grew a hardware startup to 100 people globally — plus:

  • Direct access to the Shenzhen ecosystem
  • Trusted introductions to manufacturers
  • A focused founder community
  • Practical feedback every week
  • Support beyond the bootcamp
Your mentors
Ryan Dunwoody
Ryan Dunwoody
Founder & CEO

Hardware founder, full-stack hardware engineer and Guinness World Record holder.

MH Sun
MH Sun
General Partner

Hardware founder, mechanical engineer and design-for-manufacturing expert.

Marios Georgiou
Marios Georgiou
General Partner

Hardware founder, full-stack hardware + software engineer and PCBA factory owner.

What founders say

Testimonials.

Ryan Dunwoody is the best hardware leader I have ever met and worked with.
Jesse Lozano
Powerhouse is by far the most knowledgeable hardware partner I've ever worked with.
James Wood
There isn't a thing that exists in the hardware space that Powerhouse doesn't know or hasn't experienced.
Zareen Ali
Q&A

Questions, answered.

What stage should my prototype be at?+

You can join with an early concept, rough prototype, or a more developed product direction. The program is built to help you clarify, improve, and move it forward.

Do I need manufacturing experience?+

Not at all. Powerhouse is designed to help founders navigate manufacturing decisions, suppliers, and product development with expert guidance.

Will I get investor support?+

Yes. You'll receive investor-readiness support and selected opportunities for exposure to the investor network, so you can strengthen your fundraising position.

Do I need to move to Shenzhen permanently?+

No. The program is a focused 8-week build sprint in Shenzhen, designed to give you deep access to the ecosystem without requiring a long-term relocation.

Apply for the next cohort.

Apply for the next cohort
Applications are reviewed individually to ensure the program is the right fit.