♦RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT • Engineering Consultancy • Frankfurt, Germany
R&D Engineering with German Oversight at Indian Efficiency
End-to-end R&D services from concept validation to production-ready designs, backed by 26 years of automotive and industrial engineering experience. At 30-50% less cost than traditional German consultancies, through my bridge between Germany and India.
GDPR CompliantNDA on Every ProjectDirect Access to Founder26-Year Track Record
From feasibility to manufacturing-ready designs
What You Get
The Challenge
German startups and SMEs face a classic dilemma: German engineering consultancies deliver bulletproof designs but cost €80K-150K for a full R&D engagement. Outsourcing directly to India risks communication gaps, quality inconsistencies, and IP concerns. You need credible engineering, direct access, and transparent costs.
My Approach
I combine my 26 years in automotive R&D (Mann+Hummel, industrial filtration, automotive systems) with a network of vetted Indian specialists and my own fabrication facility (S.S.S Laser Industries). For direct R&D work, I design feasibility studies, CAD models, and prototypes myself using SolidWorks and CATIA. For specialized work (FEA, BIW design), I coordinate through named partners who report to me. You get daily updates, direct access to me, and full transparency on who does what.
The Outcome
You walk away with production-ready designs, detailed feasibility reports, SolidWorks models, physical prototypes from my facility, and manufacturing documentation in DIN/ISO standards. Cost: typically €30K-80K for a full engagement that would cost €76K-150K at German consultancies. Turnaround: 4-12 weeks depending on scope. All IP stays yours. No surprises.
What You Receive
Comprehensive deliverables package
- Feasibility ReportPDF, 10-15 pages with analysis, recommendations, risk assessment
- CAD ModelsSolidWorks native + STEP format, fully parametric, design review notes
- Physical PrototypesFabricated at S.S.S Laser Industries (laser cut, sheet metal, assembled)
- Manufacturing-Ready DrawingsISO/DIN standards, GD&T annotated, material specs, tolerance stack analysis
- Lab/Testing DocumentationTest protocols, lab notes, performance data compiled into summary reports
Production Ready Standards
How It Works: The Bridge Model Applied to R&D
1
You Brief Me --- In German
Schedule a free consultation. We discuss your challenge in German or English with full technical understanding. No translation mishaps. Your requirements documented in an engineering brief.
2
I Deliver --- Through My Network
I personally handle feasibility studies, CAD design, and prototype validation. Specialized work (FEA, dynamics) goes to vetted partners. I coordinate daily, review everything, and ensure quality. You get weekly updates.
3
You Save 30-50%
Same quality as German consultancies (ISO/DIN standards, automotive-grade rigor), but at Indian cost structure. Typical R&D engagement: €35K-80K vs. €76K-150K at top German firms.
Service Delivery Model
| Service | Type | Provider | Oversight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feasibility Studies | Direct | Saravana (myself) | Full design responsibility |
| CAD Modeling & Design | Direct | Saravana (myself) | Full design responsibility |
| Lab Prototypes & Testing | Direct | S.S.S Laser Industries (my facility) | Fabrication oversight |
| FEA/CFD Simulation | Coordinated | EGS Computers India | Saravana: Review, results validation |
| Advanced Dynamics Analysis | Coordinated | EGS Computers India | Saravana: Review, results validation |
Feasibility Studies
Type:Direct
Provider:Saravana (myself)
Oversight:Full design responsibility
CAD Modeling & Design
Type:Direct
Provider:Saravana (myself)
Oversight:Full design responsibility
Lab Prototypes & Testing
Type:Direct
Provider:S.S.S Laser Industries (my facility)
Oversight:Fabrication oversight
FEA/CFD Simulation
Type:Coordinated
Provider:EGS Computers India
Oversight:Saravana: Review, results validation
Advanced Dynamics Analysis
Type:Coordinated
Provider:EGS Computers India
Oversight:Saravana: Review, results validation
My Process
Define Project Scope and Design Constraints
Step 1 of our Engineering process
We establish clear objectives, requirements, and limitations for your project, creating a solid foundation for the development process.
Step 1 of 9
2-4 weeks
Define Project Scope and Design Constraints
We establish clear objectives, requirements, and limitations for your project, creating a solid foundation for the development process.
Key Points:
- Define objectives & requirements
- Identify market & user needs
- Document technical specs
Tools & Technologies:
Requirements Management SoftwareMarket Analysis ToolsProject Planning Software
Deliverables:
Project BriefRequirements DocumentProject TimelineBudget Estimate
R&D at a Glance
CAD & Engineering Software
Primary CADSolidWorks 2023 (parametric, surfacing)
Automotive CADCATIA V5/V6 (BIW, assemblies)
FEA/CFDANSYS Workbench (via Smart Dimensions)
DynamicsMATLAB/Simulink (via EGS Computers)
Collaboration & Documentation
Project MgmtJira / Confluence (if requested)
Version ControlPDM (for CAD files)
DrawingsISO/DIN standards (GD&T)
Deliverable FormatsSTEP, PDF, native files
What 26 Years Has Taught Me
50% Cost Reduction
MBR Module Redesign
Led complete redesign of membrane bioreactor module family. Value engineering reduced part count (47→31), manufacturing cost by 50% (€2,400→€1,200).
Water Treatment90% Lab Infrastructure
Test Equipment Design
Designed and built 90% of all lab test equipment and pilot plants at international R&D facility. 60% cost savings vs external vendors.
R&D Operations6 Bar Qualified
High-Pressure UF Module
Led development of UF module with 50% higher operating pressure (4→6 bar). Pressure vessel design per ASME, FEA validation, patent filed.
Membrane Filtration20% Production Increase
Assembly Automation
Key contributor to fully automated hollow fiber module production line. 20% throughput increase and 10% defect reduction.
Manufacturing30% Air Reduction
Siphon Aerator Innovation
Developed siphon aerator concept into functional prototype. 30% reduction in air consumption while enhancing mixing performance.
Water Treatment2 Patents Filed
Filtration Innovation
Filed and accepted patent applications for innovative filtration designs, demonstrating original engineering thinking.
InnovationAchievements from my 26-year career at Mann+Hummel and global engineering firms
Featured Project
UF (Ultrafiltration) Module Design
End-to-end design from feasibility to manufacturing. Pressure vessel design per ASME Section VIII, FEA validation, prototype fabrication, and performance testing.
Key Outcomes
- 6 bar operating pressure qualified
- Patent filed for fiber bundle design
- Production released successfully
- Key selling product in UF portfolio
From my career at Mann+Hummel
Professional Endorsements
"Saravana is not just a talented engineer with a sharp mind and a calm approach to complex challenges – for me you was also one of the kindest and most loyal teammates working with. Whether it was solving technical puzzles or navigating the daily challenges of membrane and module development... Saravana brought clarity, dedication, and a great sense of humor to the table. If you're looking for someone who combines technical excellence with genuine warmth and integrity, Saravana is your guy."
M
Michael Micke
Development Team Lead • Mann+Hummel Singapore
Direct collaboration as team lead
Transparent R&D Pricing
Concept Validation
€5,000-€15,000
2-4 weeks
Feasibility study + initial CAD concept
Includes
- Technical feasibility report
- Basic CAD concept
- Cost-benefit analysis
- Go/No-go recommendation
Best For
Startups validating an ideaQuick technical feedbackSpecification refinement
Full R&D Design
€30,000-€80,000
8-16 weeks
Design, prototyping, testing, manufacturing documentation
Includes
- Complete CAD models (parametric)
- Physical prototype from my facility
- Performance testing
- Manufacturing drawings (ISO/DIN)
- Lab documentation
Best For
Products ready for prototypeFull end-to-end designManufacturing preparation
Strategic Consultation
€1,500-€5,000/month
Ongoing retainer
Monthly technical guidance, design reviews, supplier coordination
Includes
- Scheduled monthly calls
- Design review feedback
- Supplier coordination
- Technical documentation review
Best For
Ongoing product developmentDesign review oversightTechnical problem-solving
Why the Bridge Model?
Same German quality standards, 50-65% lower cost
German Engineering Firm
Typical R&D Project
€100,000–180,000
Quality
German standards
Communication
German language, no barrier
Technical Oversight
Senior engineers (varies by firm)
Prototyping
Outsourced to vendors
Risk
Low (established firms)
Your Savings
— (baseline)
Direct Indian Outsourcing
Typical R&D Project
€25,000–40,000
⚠ High riskQuality
Variable — no guaranteed standards
Communication
High barrier — language & culture
Technical Oversight
None — you manage vendors directly
Prototyping
Outsourced to local workshops
Risk
⚠ High (quality, communication, IP)
Your Savings
~75% but high risk
✓ Recommended
IdEinstein Bridge Model
Typical R&D Project
€25,000–60,000
54% savings vs German firmsQuality
German standards, 26 years oversight
Communication
Single point of contact (German/English/Tamil)
Technical Oversight
Saravana reviews every deliverable
Prototyping
Own facility (S.S.S Laser Industries)
Risk
Low (German contract, GDPR, NDA)
Your Savings
50–65% with managed risk
Rates based on 2024–2025 market research including FreelancerMap, industry benchmarks, and competitive analysis. Actual costs vary by project scope.
FAQ
Common Questions About R&D
1
How is this different from the Product Development Accelerator?
R&D services are for companies that need specific engineering work — a feasibility study, a redesign, a prototype build. You define the scope, I deliver. The PDA is for startups who need the full journey from idea to manufacturing, with structured phases and go/no-go gates at each step. If you know exactly what you need, start here. If you need guidance on the entire path, see the Product Development Accelerator.
2
How long does a typical R&D project take?
Depends on scope. A feasibility study: 2-4 weeks. A full design with prototype: 8-16 weeks. Strategic consultation is ongoing. I provide a timeline estimate after the kickoff brief.
3
Do I own the IP for designs you create?
Yes. All IP stays with you. Standard contract includes work-made-for-hire clause. No royalties, no shared ownership. You own everything.
4
Can we do a limited proof-of-concept first?
Absolutely. That's the "Concept Validation" tier (€5K-15K). Feasibility report + basic CAD. If you want to go deeper, we scale up to full design. No commitment beyond the tier you choose.
5
What if we need specialized analysis (FEA, dynamics)?
I coordinate with Smart Dimensions or EGS Computers. They report to me. I review all work. Same timeline and budget planning. No surprises.
6
How do I stay informed during the project?
Weekly email updates + bi-weekly calls (scheduled at your timezone). You get my mobile number. Questions answered within 24 hours. This is direct access. No project manager intermediary.
7
What if the prototype doesn't meet performance targets?
We iterate. That's built into the design process (Steps 5-8). If additional work is needed beyond scope, we discuss cost adjustment. I don't charge for design iteration within the contracted scope.
8
Can you help with supplier selection and manufacturing?
Yes. That's my "Supplier Sourcing" service. After R&D is complete, I can source manufacturers, get quotes, quality audit vendors. Separate scope and pricing.
9
What about confidentiality and NDAs?
Every project has an NDA. All work is strictly confidential. No discussion with other clients. No case studies without your permission. GDPR compliant.
10
Can we start part-time, then scale?
Yes. Start with Concept Validation. If successful, upgrade to Full Design. If you want just technical guidance, Strategic Consultation (retainer) works alongside other work.
Let's Discuss Your R&D Project
Book a free consultation. Personal response within 24 hours.
Free consultation•No commitment•Direct founder access•GDPR compliant