Central Research Laboratory

Building and testing your first prototype to learn and validate

Are you:

• An early-stage, innovation focussed, product hardware startup?
• Exploring new concepts for a physical product?
• A scaling product company developing your first in-house innovation?
• Working on a new product idea that you need to build and test?
• Unsure how to plan your prototyping activity to deliver maximum value?
• Unsure which processes to use or which materials to specify?

If the answer is yes, we’re here to help!

SUMMARY

This 1-week, hands-on business support programme is fully funded* and delivered by Plus X at The Central Research Laboratory in Hayes (West London). CRL work with entrepreneurs to launch award-winning businesses and have built a global reputation in hardware-focused support.

Product companies create many forms of prototypes between concept and manufacture. The creation of prototypes can be costly and time-consuming, yet it’s an essential part of the product development and innovation process. On the flip side, a simple model or rig can save months of wasted development and the acquisition of good data can unlock funding and attract investment. Doing the wrong thing is frustrating and expensive. Doing the right thing at the right time in the right way for the right reasons is key.

Good prototypes answer questions, make ideas tangible, deliver insights from the market or future users, provide performance data, clarify requirements and validate function, safety and efficacy.

The right approach to prototyping, testing and validation will enable you to prepare and communicate clear product design and performance requirements to manufacturers, save your business time and money and shorten the lead-time from concept to commercial launch.

DETAILS

Duration: 35 hours (across 5 days)

Location: Central Research Laboratory, West London

Dates: Monday 25th April to Friday 29th April 2022

Times: 10 – 4 pm each day (with a break in the middle)

ACROSS THE WEEK YOU WILL:

• Receive hands-on training tailored to your company’s needs on topics such as 3D printing, rendering, PCB, app building, SolidWorks and much more
• Explore prototyping strategy in 1:1 sessions with product designers and engineers
• Work closely with CRL’s in-house product development team to define your prototyping requirements and create design data
• Receive training on the selection and use of prototyping equipment
• Explore and use CRL’s state of the art workshops and prototyping facilities
• Participate in workshops with a small cohort of product hardware startups and grow your network
• Make prototypes!

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

In addition, selected startups will receive a COMPLIMENTARY 2-week membership with access to our workshop facilities at the Central Research Laboratory to further develop their prototype. The membership will take place immediately after the event.

Participants to this BOOST programme will also have access to 12 additional hours of support delivered by Brunel University London, free of charge. This will consist of a set of workshops with the overall purpose to help with the growth of your business.

HOW TO APPLY

This is an in-depth course provided to a small group of participants to ensure maximum value. Because of this, space is extremely limited and we require startups to apply for a place. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis so apply early for the best opportunity of being selected.

To register your interest, please book here:

ELIGIBILITY

• Founder, CEO, CTO or Product Lead
• UK registered
• Developing a new hardware product
• Available to attend at least 2 full days of the programme (preference will be given to people attending the whole week)
• Completion of forms (in-line with our funding partner requirements*), including a registration form and a daily feedback form to confirm attendance for the full programme.