Securing funding is often one of the earliest challenges for health and wellbeing innovators. While strong ideas and clear problem statements are important, in a competitive and often highly regulated environment, many funders increasingly look for something more tangible, providing evidence that an idea can be translated into a workable, real-world solution.
Health innovation makerspaces play an important role at this early stage, providing access to technology and expertise to help innovators move from concept to credible prototype and support more robust, evidence-led funding applications.
Why funders favour prototypes over PowerPoints
Funding panels and investors are typically tasked with assessing both opportunity and risk. While PowerPoint slides can communicate vision, prototypes help demonstrate feasibility.
A physical or functional prototype – whether it’s an initial iteration of a wearable device or a 3D printed model – allows reviewers to see how an idea might work in practice. It can help illustrate form, function, usability and context of use, and provides a clearer sense of how a proposed solution fits into real healthcare settings. Even simple prototypes can show that key assumptions have been explored rather than left untested.
Early proof through prototypes and testing
Prototypes do not need to be fully developed products to be valuable. At an early stage, they can be used to:
- explore core functionality
- test early design decisions
- gather initial user feedback
- generate early performance or usability data
This kind of practical evidence can strengthen a funding application by moving it beyond theory, showing that development has already begun and that learning is actively taking place.
How Makerspaces support early credibility
Health innovation makerspaces provide access to tools and expertise that make early development more accessible. Technologies such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), 3D printing, Virtual Reality (VR) and rapid prototyping allow innovators to experiment, iterate and refine ideas at relatively low cost.
Huddersfield Health Innovation Incubator members have access to a dedicated Health & Wellbeing Innovation Maker Space at the Health Business Innovation Centre on the National Health Innovation Campus. This Maker Space houses technology for rapid prototyping, 3D printers, Arduino kits for electronics and sewing machines. Members can access the facilities for free through the project and benefit from sole ownership of their intellectual property.
Working with a product consultant can help innovators decide what to prototype, why it matters, and how to use prototypes to answer the questions funders are likely to ask. This often leads to clearer thinking, better prioritisation and more focused development activity.
De-risking your health innovation
Many funding decisions hinge on how well risks are understood and managed. Early prototyping and testing can help identify technical, usability or practical challenges before significant resources are committed.
Using low-cost materials and rapid iteration, innovators can explore different approaches, learn from failures quickly and refine their solutions. This process not only improves the design itself but also helps applicants articulate risks more confidently in funding proposals.
Shaping clear product narratives
Funding applications often require innovators to explain not just what they want to build, but how it will be developed and why it is likely to succeed. Prototyping can support this by providing concrete reference points for discussions around clinical need, user benefit and system impact.
Product consultancy support can help connect these elements, ensuring that prototypes, testing activities and evidence all align with the narrative presented to funders.
Strengthening grant applications
Many grant schemes reference concepts such as Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), feasibility, usability and potential for manufacture. Makerspaces can help innovators make progress in these areas by enabling:
- early feasibility testing
- user-centred design exploration
- consideration of materials and manufacturing constraints
- documented learning and iteration
This type of activity can demonstrate momentum and realism, which are often key considerations for grant assessors.
From idea to evidence
Health innovation makerspaces are not about rushing to finished products. Instead, they offer a structured way to explore ideas, test assumptions and build evidence over time. For innovators preparing to apply for funding, this approach can help reduce uncertainty, strengthen applications and support more informed decision-making.
By focusing on practical learning and thoughtful development, makerspaces play an important role in helping health and wellbeing innovations move closer to real-world impact.
If you are based in West Yorkshire and looking to create a prototype for your health or wellbeing innovation, you may be eligible for fully funded Health Innovation Consultancy through the Huddersfield Health Innovation Incubator. Find out more here.
You can also book a free 1:1 Product Development Consultancy session with our in-house Health Innovation Technician here to find out if you are eligible.
