The second pilot of the Prototype to Industry Programme is set to begin, with five startups selected to participate.
ACR Materials, Nativ, Tilva, Versatchip and Voltmentation are advancing innovations ranging from sustainable materials and clean energy to bio-electrostimulation, microfluidics and smart agriculture.
In the upcoming months, the programme will support them in turning their physical prototypes into validated, manufacturable products.
Five Startups on the Road to Industrial Manufacturing
Supporting the Journey from Prototype to Production
Startups developing physical products face specific challenges on the path from prototype to manufacturing. Access to prototyping facilities, technical expertise and industry connections can be crucial in this phase.
The Prototype to Industry Programme addresses these challenges through five prototyping sprints that help founders strengthen their development approach and turn expert input into concrete actions. Access to the accent Makerspace in Tulln provides space and tools to work on their products, while business mentoring and direct exchange with manufacturing companies and fellow founders offer additional perspectives and feedback.
Together, these elements help startups build a stronger foundation for product development, refine their prototyping plans, challenge assumptions and identify concrete next steps towards manufacturing.
Learning Through Cross-Border Cooperation
Building on the first edition, the second pilot of the programme provides an opportunity for the project partners to further develop their support approach and learn from the needs and experiences of participating startups.
The programme brings together the expertise of accent Inkubator, InQb – STU, SAPIE and EIT Manufacturing East, strengthening connections between startups, innovation support organisations and industry across Austria and Slovakia.
