11-week in-person programNo equity taken

Build the Bike Product You Wish Existed

Grit Works is an 11-week, in-person accelerator in Queenstown for riders, mechanics, and makers building physical mountain bike products. Go from idea to trail-tested prototype — without giving up equity.

First cohort starts 27 April 2026 in Queenstown, New Zealand.

People collaborating in the Grit Works workshop building mountain bike prototypes

Hardware-first

11 Weeks

Idea to prototype

Is Grit Works for you?

If any of these sound familiar, you might be exactly who we built this program for.

You see gear problems on every ride — and have ideas to fix them.

You've sketched or hacked prototypes but haven't shipped a real product yet.

You want more of your income to come from bikes and outdoor gear, not just your day job.

You're ready to spend 11 weeks in Queenstown focused on your product.

Sounds like you? Apply now

What you get in 11 weeks

Everything you need to go from concept to a real, trail-tested product — with the people, space, and support to make it happen.

Hardware-first support

Design, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing for physical products — not apps or SaaS.

Workshop + tools

150 sqm workshop space with shared tools, equipment, and support to build your first versions.

Trail-tested feedback

Test your product on Queenstown's bike parks and trails, then iterate quickly based on rider feedback.

Mentors & network

Engineers, designers, brand builders, and global sports-tech partners in your corner.

Launch-ready story

Photos, video, and a go-to-market plan to help you launch, pitch, or crowdfund.

Founder-friendly terms

NZD 1,000 upfront. No equity. 3% of monthly income only after NZD 80k revenue, capped at NZD 30,000 or 4 years.

From idea to trail-tested product

Four focused phases take you from validation to launch-ready in 11 weeks.

01

Weeks 1–2

Problem & Concept

Validate the problem, your customer, and your product concept with riders and mentors.

02

Weeks 3–5

Design & Prototype Plan

Lock in your design direction, materials, and manufacturing approach. Start building.

03

Weeks 6–8

Build, Test, Iterate

Prototype in the workshop, test on local trails, and refine fast based on real-world use.

04

Weeks 9–11

Launch & Storytelling

Work on pricing, channels, and launch strategy. Capture content and get ready for demo day.

Interior of The Workshop in Queenstown — the Grit Works space

Your basecamp: The Workshop, Queenstown

300 sqm dedicated to product creators at 3/156 Glenda Drive.

80 sqm office and collaboration space.

150 sqm workshop with tools and equipment for prototyping.

Minutes from world-class trails, bike parks, and the Queenstown biking community.

Mountain biking trails in Queenstown, New Zealand with dramatic mountain scenery
Queenstown, New Zealand

How it works, financially

We designed the model to reduce your risk and align our success with yours.

Upfront

$1,000

NZD, one-time payment

Equity

0%

You keep everything

Revenue share

3%

Only after NZD 80k revenue

Revenue share details:

3% of monthly income kicks in only after your product generates NZD 80,000 in cumulative revenue. Capped at NZD 30k total or 4 years — whichever comes first. If you don't make money, we don't make money.

What's included:

11 weeks of workspace, tools, and equipment access — valued at over NZD 10k

Mentorship from engineers, designers, and brand builders

Trail testing on Queenstown's bike parks

Professional photos and video for launch

Go-to-market plan and demo day presentation

Community events and networking nights

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about the program. Can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to us.

Ready to build something real?

Applications for the April 2026 cohort are open. Tell us about yourself and the product you want to build.

We'll review your application and get back to you within 5 business days.