PROTOTYPE, MVP AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Science is the art of discovering the laws that govern nature. To do this, scientists conduct research in different areas of knowledge, seeking to generate new theories and explanatory models. These models, in turn, can serve as a basis for the development of innovative products or services, that solve real problems of society. In this process, the concepts of prototype and MVP (Minimum Viable Product) are fundamental. A prototype is a simplified representation of a product or service, that allows testing its main functionalities and verifying its technical feasibility. An MVP is a prototype that can already be offered to a group of potential customers, to validate its value proposition and its market acceptance. And scientific research is a set of methods and techniques that aims to produce new or original knowledge about a certain phenomenon. Just as a scientist needs to prove his hypothesis before publishing his results, an entrepreneur needs to validate his product or service before launching it on a large scale. And that’s where MVP comes in, a powerful tool to reduce the risks and costs of an innovative project.

But having a functional prototype is not enough. It is also necessary to test the solution in a real environment, with the target audience. For this, it is necessary to create a Minimum Viable Product, that is, a version of the product or service that has the minimum characteristics necessary to be marketed and generate value for customers. The MVP means using the minimum possible resources to deliver the main value proposition of the idea.

Here at Universidade Federal do Paraná , students from technical, undergraduate and graduate levels are trained for the development of prototypes and MVPs based on the Startup Experience Methodology, developed by the Science for All project ( Ciência para Todos ) at the Technology Sector - Setor de Tecnologia UFPR (Polytechnic Center). As the project is interdisciplinary, academics from different areas such as Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nursing, Pharmacy, Chemistry, Medicine, Tourism, Environmental Engineering, Bioprocesses and Biotechnology Engineering, Dentistry, Agronomy, Pedagogy , Chemical Engineering, Technical Course in Oil and Natural Gas and several post-graduations create innovative projects with the purpose of creating value in society from the development of startups. Currently, based on the Startup Experience Initiative program, the methodology is also being implemented at the Palotina Campus (UFPR - Palotina Sector) for the courses of Agronomy and Energy Engineering.

In addition, students from the specialization of the Institute of Applied Technological Solutions - UFPR ( Instituto de Soluções Tecnológicas Aplicadas da UFPR ) have the opportunity to create aligned solutions based on the Innovative TCC and present the result to the innovation ecosystem through Arena UFPR and Pitch Day , events focused on innovation and network formation relationship.

If you want to know more about prototypes and MVPs created by Universidade Federal do Paraná students, follow the media of the Science for All project ( Ciência para Todos ), Startup Experience Initiative ( Iniciativa Startup Experience ) and the Institute of Applied Technological Solutions ( Instituto de Soluções Tecnológicas Aplicadas da UFPR ). See how our innovation ecosystem stimulates an environment conducive to creating innovative technological solutions that generate value for society.

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