01579nas a2200121   4500008004100000022001400041245006200055210006000117260004200177520118200219100002001401856003601421       2011                        eng d  a1913-610200aA Rapid Prototyping Environment for Student Entrepreneurs0 aRapid Prototyping Environment for Student Entrepreneurs  aOttawabTalent First Networkc06/20113 aThis article describes a project initiated in the Technology Innovation Management (TIM) program at Carleton University to develop a common development and test environment for entrepreneurs associated with the program. This environment will support a collaborative entrepreneurial community that is building complementary products around a core platform; the goal is to accelerate the quick delivery of projects to market while acknowledging that the community's resources are limited. As described in this article, the solution that was developed is called the TIM Rapid Prototyping Environment (TIMRPE).

Thee TIMRPE provides a competitive advantage for entrepreneurs in the TIM program. A TIM entrepreneur can quickly jump into the development of their prototype, knowing that timely assistance and support is available. This environment now hosts several entrepreneurial projects, some of which have been described in recent issues of the OSBR, including this one. This article introduces the rapid prototyping approach, provides an overview of the TIMRPE, shares lessons learned from the early experiences with the environment, and outlines the project's next steps. 
1 aHorsfall, Frank  uhttp://timreview.ca/article/448