Written by Dr Michael Challenor

For medical device founders, a great idea is only the beginning. Turning that idea into a reliable product takes engineering, persistence and a willingness to learn as development unfolds.

At the 2026 Innovate Medtech Masterclasses in Perth, Dr Michael Challenor spoke with Steve Martinuzzo, Managing Principal and Co-Founder of Cobalt Design about what it really takes to develop a product, why medical devices are particularly rewarding to work on, and the advice he would give founders starting out.

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FROM PROTOTYPE TO PRODUCT: WHAT MEDTECH FOUNDERS NEED TO KNOW

Having a great idea for a medical device is one thing. Turning it into a product that works reliably, meets the needs of its users and can make it into the real world is another.

It’s a topic that came up in a recent conversation between Dr Michael Challenor and Steve Martinuzzo from Cobalt Design at the 2026 Innovate Medtech Masterclasses.

With 30 years of experience in product design and development behind him, Steve has seen what it takes to move an idea beyond the initial concept. And there are some valuable lessons for anyone working on a medical device, particularly those navigating the early stages of development.

Here are a few things worth taking away from their conversation.

A WORKING PROTOTYPE IS JUST THE BEGINNING

Getting a prototype up and running is a big milestone. But it’s easy to underestimate how much work is still needed to turn that early concept into a product that performs consistently in the real world.

Steve makes an interesting point about Cobalt Design. Despite design being in the company’s name, it actually employs more engineers than designers across its team of around 25 people.

That reflects the reality of product development. The initial design is only part of the process. Engineering, testing, refinement and solving the inevitable problems along the way all play a role in getting a product ready for use.

The takeaway for founders: Think beyond the prototype. Understand what needs to happen next, what expertise you’ll need and how much development work remains before your product is ready for the people who will use it.

DESIGN ISN'T ABOUT MAKING SOMETHING LOOK GOOD

When Michael asks Steve about Cobalt's design philosophy, his answer is refreshingly practical. Rather than following a particular design style, the focus is on the product, the user and what the client needs to achieve.

For medical devices, this is especially important. A product might look impressive, but that means very little if it's difficult for a clinician to use or doesn't work well for the patient it's designed to help.

Good design starts with understanding the problem you're trying to solve and the people you're solving it for.

The takeaway for founders: Keep the end user at the centre of your decisions. Think about how your device will be used in practice, not just how it looks on a desk or in a presentation.

BE CLEAR ON THE PROBLEM, BUT FLEXIBLE ON THE SOLUTION

One of Steve's key messages for people entering medical device development is the importance of being willing to adapt.

As you work through development, you'll learn things you didn't know at the start. Testing might reveal an issue, feedback might challenge your assumptions, or a different approach might turn out to be more practical.

That doesn't necessarily mean your original idea was wrong. It means you're learning more about what it will take to make it work.

Steve encourages founders to hold on to their overall vision while being prepared to change direction when needed. The goal isn't necessarily to end up with exactly the product you first imagined. It's to find the right solution.

The takeaway for founders: Don't become so attached to your original concept that you overlook a better way forward. Be persistent about the problem you're solving, but stay open to changing how you solve it.

REMEMBER WHY YOU'RE DEVELOPING IN THE FIRST PLACE

Medical device development can be technically demanding, and the road from concept to product can be long. For Steve, part of what makes the work worthwhile is the opportunity to make a genuine difference to people's lives.

Whether a device helps save a life, improves a patient's outcome or makes everyday activities easier, there's a real purpose behind the work.

It's a useful perspective for founders, too. When development gets complicated, keeping sight of the people who will ultimately benefit from your product can help bring decisions back into focus.

The takeaway for founders: Keep coming back to the problem you're trying to solve and the people who need your solution. It's a good way to stay foused on what matters when the technical and commerical decisions start to pile up.

DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF LEARNING FROM OTHERS

Steve also shared his impressions of the 2026 Innovate Medtech Masterclasses, including how much he took away from sessions outside his own area of expertise.

It's a good reminder that even people with decades of experience have more to learn. Hearing how others approach problems, understanding different parts of the development process and being willing to question your own assumptions can all help you make better decisions.

For founders, particularly those developing their first medical device, having access to people who understand the process can be incredibly valuable.

You don't need to figure everything out on your own.
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