Designing a product is an iterative process. This means it typically takes several rounds of trying, testing and learning before a final design is chosen for manufacture.

When we say ‘prototype’ we mean a wide range of representations.

Depending on your stage of development this could mean anything from:

• A proof-of-concept (POC), something that will visually or physically show that your idea would work.
• A visual aesthetic model to use for pitching, showing a final design but not necessarily its function.
• An example you can use to test with your target market.

The type of prototype you will need will be uncovered as you go through the programme. The mentors will help you understand what you need to learn from a prototype to decide what is best to get you further along your journey.

When we say ‘innovative’ we mean the idea meets a few of the following criteria:

•It is novel in some way, either in approach, material, technology etc. It could be an existing idea but is brought forward by the introduction of something new.
•Is a solution in a generally under-identified problem space that has as potential to grow and scale.

However, we are open to challenge this, if you feel your product is innovative but doesn’t match this above criteria please submit interest and tell us why you see it as innovative!

Non-Tech/ Non-STEM means you don’t have existing experience or a professional background in either Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths, or Design.