Since 2012 · 120+ projects · 650+ prototypes · Medical, sports and defence wearables · R&D lab in Utrecht, the Netherlands
Wearable product
development
From first idea to certified, market-ready wearable. One team, one clear process.
Discuss your wearable idea
We are the B2B wearable engineering team for challenges that have no standard solution.
At Elitac Wearables, we help organizations transform ambitious ideas into wearable solutions that people can trust, rely on, and benefit from. By combining deep expertise in electronics, sensors, and smart textiles, we create meaningful innovations that improve lives, enhance safety, and unlock human potential.
Have an idea? Let’s make it wearable. Get in touch!
End-to-end wearable engineering
Your idea built by one team that knows every layer:
Hardware, firmware, industrial design, garment design and certification: all under one roof in our R&D lab in Utrecht.
Do you have a rough idea, a proof of concept or a prototype that needs to go into production? We start where you are.
Ready to discuss your project? Book a meeting!
Medical, sports and defence wearables
We apply our engineering expertise to wearables that count. Choose your field to see what we build and for whom.
Navigating complexity, together
Turning an ambitious idea into a wearable product is rarely straightforward. How do you integrate electronics and sensors into textiles without compromising comfort, safety, or washability?
That’s where we come in. Whether you have an early-stage concept or just a complex challenge to solve, we work alongside your team as a true extension. We bring the multidisciplinary engineering expertise to help you build, validate, and launch wearable technology that works in the real world.
“The team quickly understood our needs, identified prototype weaknesses and suggested a variety of solutions to improve the design of our Skinetic vest.”
Our wearable development process
Six phases, two stages. In phases 1–3 we de-risk your idea quickly and at low cost, with off-the-shelf parts, physical prototypes and real user feedback. Only when the concept is locked and signed off do we start full engineering in phases 4–6. You can start at any phase.
1. Feasibility checkQuick check of technology, materials, risks and requirements. Can it be done?Lead time: ~2 weeks
2. Proof of conceptA basic physical version with off-the-shelf parts and Elitac building blocks.Lead time: ~4 weeks
3. Pilot samplesFunctional samples to compare concepts in controlled user tests. Design freeze.Lead time: ~6 weeks
4. Final prototypeCustom hardware and firmware, uncontrolled user tests and pre-certification.Lead time: 12–16 weeks*
5. First series50–500 certified units for pilots, initial sales and clinical studies.Lead time: 12–16 weeks*
6. Scaled productionCost-optimised production at scale, with market feedback built in.Lead time: Ongoing
* Lead times are indicative. Phases 4 and 5 can take longer due to component lead times or certification lab scheduling. You can start at any phase.
- A clear decision after every phase: concrete deliverables and a go/no-go moment, so you never spend more than needed.
- No engineering before the concept is locked: your budget goes into building the right product.
- One team, every discipline: hardware, firmware, industrial design, garment design and haptics in-house.
- Honest advice: realistic risks, costs and timelines. No low-cost promises that end in expensive surprises.
- Start at any point: a rough idea, a proof of concept or a prototype.
- From prototype to production: up to 100 units in our own lab, larger series through trusted manufacturing partners.
“Spend small to learn fast, then invest with confidence.”
Use cases: wearables we helped bring to life
From one specific expertise to the full journey: a few examples from medical, sports and defence.
MEDICAL · PHASES 5–6
McRoberts DynaPort activity monitor
Hardware review, optimisation and production support for a wearable activity monitor used in clinical care and clinical trials.
Partnered with us for:
- Obsolete components update for production
- Battery and power optimisation
- Small series production
SPORTS · PHASES 3–5
Xsens Link motion capture suit
A full-body smart garment and accessories for a market-leading motion capture suit: sensor fixation, cable management, comfort and scalable production.
Partnered with us for:
- Innovation consultancy
- Full garment and accessories development
- Improved performance, comfort and quality
- Organising manufacturing and pricing
DEFENCE · PHASES 1–6
Mission Navigation Belt
A haptic navigation belt for soldiers, from the 2013 Defence Innovation Competition to a first series in 2020.
Partnered with us for:
- Innovation in soldier equipment
- Haptic feedback expertise
- Development and field testing
More projects: DANU Sports (hardware and firmware check before market launch, now full product management), the Soldier Health Patch (now in phase 2), the Haptic Drone Detection System and the Flight Sense System. See all projects.
What our clients say
Have an idea? Let’s make it wearable!
Tell us where your project stands: an idea, a proof of concept or a prototype. We will get back to you to discuss the best starting point for your wearable product development.
Other ways we can help you
Not looking for full development? We also help you with a single expertise, an inspiration session or getting your product produced and certified.
Not ready for a full project? Start small with a feasibility check, a technology readiness check, a requirements and certification check or a cost price and development plan.
Frequently asked questions about wearable product development
What is wearable product development?
Wearable product development is the process of turning an idea into a wearable device that people can use every day. It combines electronics, sensors, firmware, industrial design and often smart textiles. At Elitac Wearables, one team takes your product from feasibility check to certified, market-ready wearable in six phases.
How long does it take to develop a wearable?
It depends on complexity. As an indication, the feasibility check takes about 2 weeks, the proof of concept about 4 weeks and the pilot samples about 6 weeks. Engineering the final prototype and producing a first certified series each take around 12 to 16 weeks. Component lead times and certification scheduling can extend this.
What does it cost to develop a wearable?
Costs depend on the complexity of your product and the phase you start in. The first three phases are deliberately lean, so you learn a lot for a limited investment. After the feasibility check you receive a project-specific cost estimate and a clear go/no-go advice before you commit to engineering.
Can I start with an existing proof of concept or prototype?
Yes. We work from any starting point: a rough idea, an existing proof of concept, or a prototype that needs to be engineered or prepared for production. We review what you have and advise in which phase to continue.
What is the difference between a proof of concept and a prototype?
A proof of concept answers the question: can this work? It is a quick, simple build that proves the core working principle. A prototype answers the question: does this work for the people who will use it? Our final prototype has custom hardware and firmware and has passed pre-certification tests.
Which industries do you develop wearables for?
We develop wearables for healthcare and medical applications, sports and performance, and defence and safety. Examples include activity monitors for clinical research, smart motion capture suits, haptic navigation belts and soldier health patches.
Do you help with certification and production?
Yes. We indicate the compliance scope (such as CE, RED or MDR) in the feasibility check, run pre-certification tests in phase 4 and guide certification in phase 5. We produce up to 100 units in our own lab and arrange larger series with trusted manufacturing partners.
Where is Elitac Wearables based?
Elitac Wearables is based in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Our multidisciplinary team has developed wearable technology since 2012 and works with companies, research institutes and defence organisations internationally.
