R&D that ends in a build-or-don't decision, not a report
We run focused research sprints with a defined question and a decision-ready deliverable: working proof-of-concept, benchmark data, and a straight build/no-build recommendation. Including whether local AI models can replace API models for your case. From $5k.
Scope a sprint →See our AI R&DWhat you get
Research you can take to your board
Plain list. A defined question in, a decision out.
Proof
We benchmark AI the way we deploy it
Our most common R&D question — can local models replace API models — is one we've answered in production.
Benchmarked on your data
We test local LLMs against your actual documents and hardware — the process behind Aru Pharma.
Numbers, not opinions
Benchmark data and a clear recommendation, ready for a board decision.
Real, not theoretical
A demonstration you can see run, not a document describing what might work.
Know the number before you commit
Research sprints run $5k–$20k fixed scope (2–6 weeks) with a defined question and a decision-ready deliverable: working proof-of-concept, benchmark data, and a build/no-build recommendation you can take to your board.
How we work
One question, one clear answer
R&D fails when it's open-ended. We scope a specific question and deliver a specific answer.
Define the question
The exact decision the research needs to inform.
Build to test
A real PoC and benchmarks against your actual constraints.
Measure honestly
Real numbers, including the ones that argue against building.
Recommend clearly
A straight build/no-build call with the reasoning.
How we work & why it matters
We combine process, technology, and expertise so your product gets built right—from idea to launch.
We use proven stacks and clear delivery so you get results you can measure.
Technologies we use
We build with the stacks and tools your product needs.
Data Science
Perf Spikes
Env Isolation
Research Docs
Monitoring
Version ControlCommon questions
Software R&D at Essen Software is 4–8 week sprints to answer technical questions—feasibility reports, PoCs, and implementation blueprints—with 100% client-owned IP and support for IoT and edge.
Most engagements run in 4–8 week sprints: parameter definition, landscape scan, experiments, peer review, and a final implementation blueprint or PoC.
Yes. All findings, scripts, and IP generated during the engagement are 100% client-owned. We also support hardware and IoT (protocols, edge computing).
Research sprints run $5k–$20k fixed scope (2–6 weeks) with a defined question and a decision-ready deliverable: working proof-of-concept, benchmark data, and a build/no-build recommendation you can take to your board.
Yes — it's one of our most requested R&D briefs: can local LLMs replace API models for your data and quality bar? We benchmark on your actual documents and hardware, the same process behind our fully local RAG deployments.
Why choose Essen for R&D
Have a question you need answered before you commit?
Thirty minutes. Tell us the decision you're facing. We'll tell you honestly what a research sprint would test, what it costs, and what a decision-ready answer looks like.
Scope a sprint