What is the ProtoZone Program?
So you have an innovative idea! Now all you need is to get made. That's not a simple task but luckily for you, the ProtoZone program is here to help you get started with a prototype. It starts by looking at the viability of your idea, both from a customer perspective and scalability perspective, and ends with a Minimal Viable Product (MVP) to move your idea forward. The focus of the program is to support innovative product development and commercialization by providing the right technical and business support, ensuring product-market fit throughout the product development process, and assisting innovative entrepreneurs and small businesses find the necessary funding programs associated with successful product development.
What Type Of Products Are Supported By This Program?
If your innovative idea will be made from one the following materials the ProtoZone program can help!
Metal
Plastics
Electronics
Composites
Woods
We are happy to consider other product materials. Please connect with our team and we can talk further.
How Does The ProtoZone Program Work?
Taking that napkin sketch and using it to create a prototype may seem like a logical choice for many but there's more to it than that! The ProtoZone program will give you a crash course in product and business development, a crucial new product assessment, and assistance towards the design and development of your prototype.
Not all program participants qualify for each stage of the ProtoZone program. Please review the eligibility for each stage.
Interactive Product Development Workshops
This 3-session interactive workshop series is on the basics of product development that will provide you with key information, insights, and education around the best practices for successfully developing a product. You will also receive 1-on-1 support by the Innovation Centre team.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
This workshop series will cover the following topics:
- Materials selection
- Product development best practices
- Define your product
- Designing your product correctly (material selection, process selection, design for manufacturing, CAD, cost reduction strategies, ethics/safety)
- Steps to developing a prototypes and production process (why prototype?, types of production, benefits of tooling, building and maintaining quality)
- How to validate your business idea
- How to complete a Business Model Canvas
- Basics in the patent process
- Understanding a Minimal Viable Product
COST TO PARTICIPATE - $25+tax
WHY IS THE WORKSHOP SERIES IMPORTANT?
The knowledge gained in this Stage is imperative to the development of a well-built product that can outperform the competition.
ELIGIBILITY
Anyone that has an innovative idea for a physical product and the willingness to sell it beyond the Northwestern Ontario market.
INTERESTED IN REGISTERING?
Our next virtual workshop series will happen in the New Year. If you have any questions about the program or would like to be notified when the next series is announced, please email Carole Long:
Email Carole
ARE YOU READY TO CREATE YOUR
INNOVATIVE PRODUCT?
We are happy to talk with you further on how this program is right choice for launching your million dollar idea!
Contact Carole by emailing carole@nwoinnovation.ca