The Bayview Yards Prototyping Lab announces the Idea to Proof of Concept Competition (powered by Flex)
OTTAWA, October 1, 2020 – The Bayview Yards Prototype Lab (BYPL) announced the launch of the first Idea to Proof of Concept Competition. Innovators, entrepreneurs, and small businesses are invited to apply. The competitive application process ends on October 30, 2020. A panel will award one winner a product concept development package valued at $5000.
Do you have a product idea which will help the post COVID world return to work? Have you been sketching out your design on the back of a napkin? Have you been researching which off the shelf components would be the most effective at gathering data? Have you been tinkering away in your home office developing an early prototype? Approach the next steps in your prototyping journey with ease. BYPL and Flex will help you bring your product idea to life so you can validate your concept.
The BYPL helps innovators bring their product ideas to life and create impactful solutions. The lab’s team of experts supports clients through any and all phases of a project. They have the capabilities to enable the rapid and cost-effective transformation of a concept into a proof-of-concept prototype. The Idea to Proof of Concept Competition will work as a jumpstart to the competition winner’s product development journey.
“RESHAPING OUR WORLD THROUGH INNOVATION DURING THE CURRENT PANDEMIC IS CRITICAL, AND WE ARE EXCITED TO SUPPORT INNOVATORS IN THEIR EFFORTS TO DO SO. We RECOGNIZE THE CHALLENGES IN LAUNCHING A PRODUCT IDEA, TO PROVIDE EARLY SUPPORT TO AN INNOVATOR THROUGH A PARTNERSHIP WITH FLEX, IS AN IMPACTFUL GIFT, AND WE ARE PROUD TO REWARD YOUR CREATIVITY AND INGENUITY.”
– Joanne Gardner, Director of Bayview Yards Prototyping Lab
The Proof of Concept Package
The Proof of Concept Package systematically guides early-stage entrepreneurs through testing to effectively assess the viability of their idea. Using a methodical process with proven results, the lab works with innovators to finetune the design of their product, define the method of implementation, iterate, test (when necessary), and, ultimately, validate their concept.
The package consists of a(n):
- Co-design session
- Feasibility and intended use study
- Detailed 3D modelling and CAD design
- Assessment to identify materials, components, and means of fabrication
- Initial fabrication (using in house tools: 3D printing, IoT tools, and advanced manufacturing equipment
- Professional product shot
By working through the Proof of Concept Package, clients explore the full potential of their idea using early-stage research, conceptualization, and representational 3D modelling services. This approach polishes ideas and equips innovators and entrepreneurs with the confidence to present it professionally. It enables them to take the next best steps.
Flex Sponsorship
Flex, the world leader in technology manufacturing, was a natural selection to partner with on this initiative. With a shared passion of empowering entrepreneurs to create quality products, BYPL proudly calls Flex a premier founding sponsor. Flex has supported entrepreneurship within our community through sponsoring the Fabrication Shop within BYPL and through corporate sponsorship to Invest Ottawa. Through our partnership with Flex, our clients are connected to expert design insight and global supply chains.
Criteria for evaluating submissions
The Bayview Yards’ Prototyping Lab has invited a panel to assess all applications and choose a winner. They will review each submission and select the funding recipient based on the following:
- Ability to effectively solve a real-world problem
- Technical feasibility
- Manufacturability
- Safety for use
- Market opportunity
Applicants are welcome to complete the submission form and include photos, sketches, and/or a 60-second video. Although the BYPL will offer special consideration to those product concepts that address challenges related to COVID-19 response and return-to-work efforts, all innovators from various industries are invited to apply.
The competition will be limited to applicants within the region of Eastern Ontario.
Thank you in advance for your interest and application.
About Bayview Yards
Bayview Yards is Ottawa’s one-stop business acceleration shop and the first entrepreneurial hub of its kind in National Capital Region. An epicentre for job creation, Bayview Yards serves as the basecamp for some of Ottawa’s greatest homegrown technology talent, capabilities and companies. It is the ultimate ‘mashup’ of technical, business and market capabilities that help entrepreneurs and firms to launch, grow and thrive. Leveraging $38 million from the City of Ottawa, Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada, and more than $1.3 million from founding sponsors, Bayview Yards brings together many organizations that provide services and support to entrepreneurs and firms. This includes Invest Ottawa, anchor tenant and strategic partner, which delivers its economic development programs from this new home, and works with fellow academic, public and private sector partners. Harnessing the power of these partnerships, Bayview Yards assembles many ingredients for commercial success under one roof. These include incubation and meeting space; business programs, services and support; prototyping tools, technologies and expertise; market linkages; and access to investment. These offerings will work together to accelerate business growth and success and stimulate new jobs and wealth creation in the Ottawa economy. For more information, please visit www.thebayviewyards.com.
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