Turning a Hacker Project into a Real Product
Track one is on the 2nd floor of Jupiter NEXT
Openterface began as a hacker project to enable direct control of a computer without relying on a network, keyboard, mouse, or monitor. Turning it into a real, shippable product revealed a completely different set of challenges that only show up when you commit to manufacturing at scale.
In this session, Kevin and Billy will share practical production lessons from the Openterface journey, including:
• EMI failures in early batches and the hidden cost of rushing production
• Choosing between 3D printing and injection molding, and why end users may care less than you expect
• Component discontinuation and how supply chain changes can directly impact product quality
• Using software strategies to detect, mitigate, and sometimes overcome hardware limitations
• Why rapid prototyping and supply chain speed can matter more than cost optimization in early-stage hardware
This is not a polished success story. It is a transparent look at mistakes, trade-offs, and practical decisions made under real constraints, designed for makers, hardware founders, engineers, and students who want to move beyond prototypes and build dependable products that can survive real-world use.
About the speaker
Kevin Peng is the co-founder and CEO of TechxArtisan, a hardware and software full-stack developer and serial entrepreneur with nearly two decades of experience spanning enterprise systems, fintech infrastructure, and product engineering. He previously worked at HSBC in a senior development role, leading large software projects. Since 2016, he has founded and co-founded multiple technology ventures across hardware products, financial systems, and advanced manufacturing. He is the creator of Openterface and focuses on rapid iteration and system-level innovation.