Tessen

The project began with the idea of solving a common problem for photographers: lens protection that is both effective and easy to use. After the creation of low-fiedlity prototypes, I leveraged my expertise with Fusion 360 to develop a series of prototypes. I extensively used FDM and SLA 3D printers, a laser cutter, and a CNC router to produce these iterations. While I focused on engineering and prototyping, my co-founder, Kilian Liptrot, handled marketing, the patent application process, and sales strategies. A year into the project, we brought on a third team member to enhance our content creation and media presence. Tessen’s innovative design and potential applications earned recognition at the 2022 Bark Tank competition, where we secured $15,000 in funding to further develop the product.

Working within a startup environment taught me how to balance technical development with business priorities and teamwork. I honed my skills in rapid prototyping, design iteration, and using advanced tools like CNC machines and SLA printers to create precise, functional components. This experience also highlighted the importance of collaboration, as Tessen’s progress was only possible through the combined efforts of our team’s complementary skills. With the design now patent-pending, I’m excited to continue refining and expanding this project in the future.