Created to help designers take their product idea or part from a 3D CAD model to its first-run production stage, the Cool Idea! award program from Proto Labs (Minneapolis) focuses on helping innovators who are often stymied by a lack of resources. Proto Labs, a manufacturer of CNC machined and injection-molded parts, will provide a total of $100,000 worth of prototyping and short-run production services to award recipients. Moreover, the company will promote each winner’s project in press releases, case studies, and other appropriate forms of media.

Featuring its FirstCut CNC machining or Protomold injection-molding services, the process of bringing the products to realization is a key aspect of the program. “Our focus is to provide product designers with the easiest, fastest, and least-expensive way to obtain low volumes of parts based on their 3D CAD designs,” says Larry Lukis, Proto Labs founder and CTO.

In fact, Proto Labs’ own success is due to a “cool idea” that makes quick-turn injection molded prototypes a reality, explains Brad Cleveland, CEO. “We’re eager to propel the cycle forward by supporting the next generation of innovators who may otherwise lack the resources to get their ideas to market,” adds Lukis.

And, since they’re in the business of ideas, “We know there’s a single cool idea at the foundation of every innovation that changes our lives for the better,” says Cleveland.

In order to be eligible for consideration, applicants must clearly demonstrate the benefits of their product to the end-user and why they believe they qualify as “cool ideas.” One or more awards may be granted each quarter with the aggregate of all awards not to exceed $100,000. Winners can use their fully functional FirstCut and Protomold parts for prototyping, design iterations, testing, or an initial production run. Details about the award program are available at the company’s Web site.