A New Chapter in Our Journey
From theCADlab to Pathfinder Innovations
Four years ago, we set out with a clear goal, to help turn ideas into reality. theCADlab was born as a small prototyping hub, working with startups to create proof-of-concept models and bring their dreams to life. Over time, we evolved, took on bigger challenges, and expanded our expertise. Now, we’re embracing our growth with a new name—Pathfinder Innovations—a name that truly reflects who we are today and where we’re headed.
A New Chapter in Our Journey
From theCADlab to Pathfinder Innovations
Four years ago, we set out with a clear goal, to help turn ideas into reality. theCADlab was born as a small prototyping hub, working with startups to create proof-of-concept models and bring their dreams to life. Over time, we evolved, took on bigger challenges, and expanded our expertise. Now, we’re embracing our growth with a new name—Pathfinder Innovations—a name that truly reflects who we are today and where we’re headed.
How It All Started
Our journey began with a simple mission, helping innovators transform their ideas into functional prototypes. From quick sketches on a napkin to fully designed products, we were there at every step, solving problems and overcoming technical barriers. We’ve had the privilege of working with brilliant entrepreneurs and teams, building a reputation for making even the most complex ideas possible. Now, it’s time to take the next step.
(2018-2019)
Seán Power and Brian Foley first crossed paths at Trinity College Dublin, where they created Tri-Stimuli, a pain relief device designed to help people with chronic lower back pain. This project sparked their shared interest in design and innovation. What started as a college project soon turned into something bigger, laying the foundation for their future in technology.
(2019-2020)
With some help from the Commercialisation Fund, Seán and Brian got the funding they needed to turn their idea into a real product. But they quickly realized that creating prototypes without the right support was harder than they expected. This challenge led them to start theCADlab, a place where other startups and researchers could get the prototyping help they needed to bring their ideas to life.
(2020-2021)
While Seán was working on his PhD at Dublin City University, studying marine biological optical sensors, Brian and Tom were gaining hands-on experience in product design and prototyping. Seán’s research projects, like A-WaMS and TechOceanS, helped him understand the technical side of things, while Brian and Tom were learning the practical skills to turn ideas into real products. These years gave them the experience and knowledge to bridge the gap between ideas and actual products.
(2021)
During the pandemic, Seán, Brian, and Tom saw a big need for quick prototyping services. So, they started theCADlab to help startups and researchers develop their ideas. What began as a small workshop quickly grew into a trusted service for bringing new products to life, with a focus on electronics and tech solutions.
(2021-2023)
As the demand for their services grew, theCADlab expanded beyond rapid prototyping to offer more — including electronics design, product development, and manufacturing advice. They began working with clients not only in Ireland but also across Europe and the US. Over time, they became known for helping clients bring their most innovative tech products to market, especially those with a focus on electronics.
(2024)
By 2024, Seán and Brian realized their work had evolved beyond just prototyping. They were now helping businesses not just create prototypes, but take them all the way to full-scale production. To better reflect this growth, they rebranded as Pathfinder Innovations. The new name better captured what they were doing — turning innovative ideas, especially in electronics, into real products that could hit the market.
(2025)
Today, Pathfinder Innovations is a trusted name in product development, known for turning complex ideas into high-quality products. With over 50 successful projects under their belt, including in fields like medical tech and marine sensors, they continue to help companies of all sizes create and launch innovative products. Their focus on electronics and bringing ideas to life has made them a go-to partner for businesses looking to make their vision a reality.
What’s Next?
At theCADlab & Pathfinder Innovations, we help bring bold ideas to life. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale, we have the expertise and experience to make it happen.
