Hi, I'm Martin Greň
I am a product innovator with a deep passion for technology and innovation. I guide projects and their owners from the initial idea of their dream product to its final production. I can also assist with product idea generation. Here are my favorite topics I focus on:
Innovation
Project specification
Concept research
Prototyping and proofs of concept
Introduction to serial production
My experience
Please have a look at my projects I am especially proud of:
Škoda Auto
Smart dials
Project leader of Smart clima controls in new Superb and Kodiaq.
Švihej
Jump rope design
Designer of multiple jump ropes including manufacturing optimizations.
Albixon
Moover
Project leader of Albixon's swimming pool enclosure's motor. Made in cooperation with EDAG Engineering CZ.
Aeromobil
Aeromobil 4.0
Designer of vehicle's control systems.
Ecocapsule
Design engineer of a self sustainable mobile home
JetFlask
Inventor, my personal project. Self heating thermos flask for mountaineers. Preseries prototypes only.
Contact
Do you have a great product idea and need help realizing it? Contact me and let's discuss how to bring it to market!
I was very fortunate to be the project lead for this innovative project. The greatest challenges were understanding the limits of the vehicle's architecture and introducing innovative solutions within these constraints. Of course, I owe a great deal to the teams from Škoda, EDAG, and Kostal for successfully bringing this project into production.Gained experience from this project:
Specification definition
Proof of concept
Preserial prototype
Cost and financial planning
Serial production
My main responsibility was to design the vehicle's control system and to introduce innovative stowing mechanisms that transform the vehicle from car to plane mode and vice versa. I worked for Aeromobil for two years and gained extensive knowledge not only in aerospace and automotive engineering but also in numerical and manufacturing technologies.Gained experience from this project:
Market analysis
Specification definition
Proof of concept
Preserial prototype
Kinematical design
Albixon Moover was my first project with EDAG CZ. Albixon approached us with a great challenge: to develop a motorized unit that could be attached to a wide range of pool enclosures.Moover is a remotely operated device, powered by solar panels on its top, with the capability to work in pairs when the enclosure is particularly heavy. It is designed to be an all-year-round solution, capable of withstanding a broad variety of weather conditions.Gained experience from this project:
Market analysis
Specification definition
Proof of concept / MVP
Preserial prototype
Cost and financial planning
Serial production
I was challenged to create several new jump rope models by Švihej founders. Personally, I like the Katana rope the best, as it brings a truly unique design to the market. My main tasks were to create designs, complete multiple design iterations with the founders, find a manufacturer, and, after economic optimizations, bring these jump ropes to the market. I believe they bring a lot of joy (and sweat) to their happy customers.Experiences gained from these projects:
Identifying the need for a new product
Market analysis
Specification definition
Proof of concept
Preserial protype
Cost and financial planning
Serial production
Marketing and product launch
Post-launch
Sustainability and scalability
The Pure R&D project started as a ChatGPT experiment. Together with the Švihej team, we plan to build extended functionality for all Švihej customers using this machine-vision based technology. So far, we can track jumps and basic tricks.Experience gained from this project:
Identifying the need for a new product
Market analysis
Specification definition
Proof of concept
Preserial protype
Cost and financial planning
Marketing and product launch
Sustainability and scalability
This is probably the shortest chapter of my career. I worked for Ecocapsule for just a few months during my summer internship. During this time, I mostly learned about manufacturing methods such as composite manufacturing. I also designed a window hinge, which, in the end, was not realized.Experience gained from this project:
Proof of concept
Preserial protype
This initial phase involves understanding the demand for a new product, which often originates from customer feedback and market observations. Methods to identify these needs include conducting detailed customer surveys, analyzing feedback from various touchpoints, and monitoring industry trends to spot gaps and opportunities. The aim is to capture and validate the real-world needs of customers, ensuring that the product idea is grounded in actual demand.
Outputs: Detailed customer requirements, identified market gaps, and a validated product idea.
In this phase, a thorough market analysis is conducted to understand the competitive landscape and market dynamics. This includes researching the target market, identifying key competitors, and performing a SWOT analysis to evaluate strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The insights gained help in positioning the product strategically and identifying unique selling points that can differentiate it from existing offerings.
Outputs: Market research reports, competitor analysis, and a SWOT analysis.
Specification definition involves detailed planning and outlining the technical and functional requirements of the product. Collaboration with development teams, stakeholders, and potential users is crucial to ensure that the specifications are accurate, comprehensive, and feasible. This step sets the foundation for the development process by clearly defining what the product will do and how it will perform.
Outputs: Detailed product specifications, technical and functional requirement documents.
Creating a proof of concept or an MVP is about developing a simplified version of the product to validate the core idea. This stage focuses on iterative testing, where prototypes are built, tested, and refined based on user feedback. The goal is to ensure that the basic functionalities work as intended and to gather insights that will guide further development.
Outputs: Proof of concept models, MVP prototypes, user feedback and testing reports.
The pre-serial prototype is a more refined version of the product, closer to the final design, but produced in limited quantities. This prototype undergoes rigorous testing and validation to ensure it meets all specified requirements. This phase is critical for identifying any remaining issues, refining the product design, and preparing for mass production.
Outputs: Pre-serial prototypes, testing and validation reports, refined product designs.
In this stage, detailed financial planning is conducted to estimate the costs associated with developing and producing the product. This includes a breakdown of material, labor, and overhead costs, as well as a pricing strategy that aligns with market positioning and profitability goals. Additionally, a return on investment (ROI) analysis is performed to ensure the product will be financially viable and sustainable.
Outputs: Cost estimates, pricing strategy, ROI analysis reports.
Serial production marks the transition from prototyping to full-scale manufacturing. This phase involves setting up the production line, implementing quality control measures, and optimizing manufacturing processes to ensure efficiency and consistency. The focus is on producing the product at scale while maintaining high standards of quality and minimizing production costs.
Outputs: Production plans, quality control protocols, optimized manufacturing processes.
This phase involves strategizing and executing the launch of the product into the market. Effective marketing campaigns, public relations efforts, and a well-planned distribution strategy are essential to create awareness and generate demand. The objective is to introduce the product to the target audience, build brand recognition, and drive initial sales.
Outputs: Marketing and launch strategies, campaign materials, distribution plans
After the product is launched, it is important to monitor its performance in the market. This includes collecting and analyzing customer feedback, tracking sales and usage data, and identifying any issues or areas for improvement. Continuous monitoring allows for timely updates and enhancements to the product, ensuring it remains competitive and meets customer expectations.
Outputs: Performance reports, customer feedback data, enhancement and update plans.
The final phase focuses on ensuring the long-term sustainability and scalability of the product. This involves developing strategies to maintain product relevance, exploring opportunities for scaling production and expanding into new markets, and implementing sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact. The goal is to create a product that can grow and adapt over time, providing ongoing value to both the company and its customers.
Outputs: Sustainability plans, scalability strategies, environmental impact assessments.