Why is Electronics Prototyping Necessary for Startups?

Every innovative project requires a prototyping phase. This essential step is often a source of apprehension because of its importance but also because it requires a robust methodology as well as appropriate materials, skills and tools.

Getting prototyping right is essential, and this is doubly true for startups, and this is why this article reviews the scope of prototyping, the steps to follow in order to develop your idea as well as the different means you can use to build your prototype.

What is a Prototype and How Does It Differ from a POC? 

According to the definition of the OECD, the term prototype designates "an original model which has all the technical qualities and all the characteristics of functioning of a new product". However, a prototype can have several uses or objectives (industrial, functional, marketing, ...).

For entrepreneurs who design an innovative good, service or object, it is important to distinguish between a prototype and a Proof Of Concept (POC). Depending on the way and/or the stage of creation of the company during which it is made, the POC can have two distinct objectives:

To demonstrate the technical feasibility of the project. 

• This is generally the case when it is done during the preparation phase of the project.

To demonstrate the proper functioning of an invention.

• This is generally the case when the project requires significant investments and when the search for financing occurs early in the creation process. The goal of the POC is to prove, with supporting evidence, that the good, object or service has every chance of working and achieving the expected results.

Why Build Prototypes?

Electronics prototyping has several essential objectives, the importance of which varies according to the nature of the project.

Make a prototype to validate the technical feasibility of an invention

Prototyping can be used to carry out the POC of an innovative project. In this case, it is done at the very beginning of the project to validate the technical feasibility of an idea, most often innovative. It brings two things :

• proof that the project is technically feasible;
• proof that the invention meets the requirements of specific regulations, project requirements, etc. 

Studying the technical feasibility of an invention is used by the entrepreneur to see if the innovation works as expected. This approach helps in the study of the viability of a project.

Convince Partners and Investors 

When a prototype is well done and precisely meets the expectations of the market, its presentation in front of potential partners (banks, investors, suppliers, associates, distributors, influencers, prescribers, collaborators, ...) is often a decisive factor. It allows you to kill a few birds at the same time:

• To draw the attention of the people concerned;
• To manage the expectations of the different actors;
• To reassure them of the feasibility and progress of the project.

Having a prototype brings great credibility and improves visibility on the potential of the project. This greatly facilitates financing (fundraising, loans, etc.).