Be Part Of Something At Trouble Maker


Cian   |   October 11, 2018

Have an idea for a new product, but still looking for that final push to take a leap of faith? Been working on a prototype, but need some input from a mechanical engineer or industrial designer? Perhaps you just need a space where you can be surrounded by like-minded individuals and have access to workshops? If so, then become part of something today. Become part of Trouble Maker. 

What is Trouble Maker?

Trouble Maker is a product development community spread across multiple countries, with several locations here in Shenzhen. Headquartered in Huaqiangbei – the electronics market of the world -, it is home to a broad family including Industrial Designers, Mechanical Engineers, Electronic Engineers, Firmware Developers, Software Developers, Package Designers, Graphic Designers, to name just a few.

Why become a member?

Access to maker labs and co-working spaces

When you become a member of Trouble Maker, you gain 24/7 access to the community’s facilities. As well as shared community rooms, there are two maker space workshops plus a laser cutter room, which the team at Trouble Maker refer to as laboratories.

Connect with a team of specialists with all types of backgrounds

When you join Trouble Maker, you are connecting with an extensive network of specialists in a variety of different fields. Known around the maker space as Gurus, these experts are based in the same location and are on hand to help with projects.

Maybe you need a Project Manager to liaise with your engineers or the factory while you are away on a trip? Perhaps you are looking for a Packaging Designer to make your product stand out? At Trouble Maker, you can find a Guru with the right expertise and experience.

Wide-ranging support to develop your start-up

Setting up and running a start-up is hard work anywhere, let alone China. Trouble Maker is there to give you the support you need every step of the way.

Whether it is registering a business, applying for a patent, or seeking trademark protection, Trouble Maker can share their experience. Through their network, you can apply for government grants, receive crowdfunding, and establish retail channels with local online and offline markets.

Take part in regular workshops and training

On top of that, Trouble Maker provides workshops and training for individuals, groups, and schools. Below is just a taste of the kind of events that the team can arrange:

  • Investor speak – Pick up the language of VC’s and investors.
  • Valuating my start-up – Get funded by understanding your value.
  • Laser cutting – Learn to prototype fast and safe with a laser cutter.
  • School events including robot building and PCB assembling.

Become part of the Trouble Maker network

When you join Trouble Maker, you aren’t only becoming part of the community at Huaqiangbei. You are joining a much wider network.

There are established locations in Bao’an and Longgang, where you can take your product from prototype to production. While in Norway and Germany there are growing maker communities, where you can connect with the kind of people that can progress your project.

Be in control of your project every step of the way

Usually, when you want to develop a new product in China, you need to give over some control of your project to the manufacturer or a design house to create a prototype. But when you are part of Trouble Maker, you can keep that control.

Here, you are on the ground developing your project by yourself. If you need a Mechanical Engineer or an Industrial Designer, then you can find them in the co-working space. You can refine your design and you can create that prototype, but you are still directly in control of what is happening. The project does not go to a third-party and you can see every step of the process.

How to join Trouble Maker

It’s simple. To find out more about Trouble Maker, get in touch with Henk, one of the co-founders and manager. You can find him on WeChat at ‘Protopro’ or by scanning the QR code below. He will be happy to answer any of your questions or arrange a tour of the maker space so you can see more.