The Stack Overflow Podcast How to build your prototypes without a 35% tariff
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Jun 24, 2025 Join Alex Malcoci, CEO of MiniProto and innovator in hardware prototyping, as he discusses the challenges and advancements in the global supply chain. He shares insights on the impact of the U.S.-China trade war on manufacturing and the necessity for skilled labor. Alex also explores how automation is reshaping production, linking it to the need for educational reforms in engineering. Tune in for his journey from robotics to entrepreneurship and his vision for a future where community support drives innovation.
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Cable Delays in Prototyping
- Alex Malcoci shared how his company MiniProto started focusing on wire harnesses, or cables, because they are in everything and often delay product development.
- Many designers end up waiting on cables while other parts like PCBs and enclosures iterate faster, so MiniProto fills that prototyping gap.
Trade War Spurs Demand
- The US-China trade war surged MiniProto's demand 3 to 4 times as customers seek alternatives to expensive tariffs.
- This shift highlights the sudden strain and urgent need for domestic prototyping solutions.
Training Key to US Competitiveness
- Reviving manufacturing in the US requires far higher productivity to compete with overseas labor costs.
- MiniProto trains employees extensively to be 5-6 times more productive than Chinese labor for cost competitiveness.