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CORE Prototyping

Two students at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) are growing their business at The
Bridge on the university’s campus.

UAH students Arthur Murray and Sam Lewis are the founders of Core Prototyping, the business they are actively managing. Core specializes in creating 3D physical items for a variety of purposes. Clients who have ideas for designing and creating a physical product can contact Core to do this. Core makes an initial prototype and presents it to the client, who then examines the item and reports any desired changes. The changes are applied and a final physical design is created before it is ready to be manufactured. This process allows Core to fulfill its main purpose of providing anyone with an idea the opportunity to develop it into a tangible product.

Core is currently advancing three different services. The first service is carrying out specific, long-term projects presented by clients as mentioned above. Essentially, clients with an idea set a timeline and constraints to create their products. The second service is offering internal products. Core is working on a few projects, like adaptability kits for braille keyboards compatible with Chromebooks. The goal is to create keycaps that can be attached directly to the keyboard so users can type without purchasing a keyboard extension. Other internal products Core is working on include tabletop board game items, specifically one dice roller design and two dice holder designs, all of which are items typically used for fantasy roleplaying games like Dungeons and Dragons. Finally, Core’s third service is small batch printing. It is a quick service allowing clients to upload a file to Core’s software, which is printed and sent back to the client.

One additional area Core recently introduced is Nucleus, a team network of freelancers who have the opportunity to collaborate on Core projects. When Core receives a project requiring higher workflow, the project is analyzed, and information including a summary, proposed pay, and desired skill sets is sent to Nucleus members who can choose to apply to work on the project. Nucleus is intended to benefit Core and its own members; Core enhances its productivity and Nucleus members gain experience through collaborative paid work.

Concerning long-term plans, Murray and Lewis want to expand different areas of Core, like its marketing. Lewis explained that using social media to reach customers outside of Huntsville is one approach the company would like to use in the future. Additionally, Core plans to establish its presence in different college campuses to be a resource for individual students and organizations who may be interested in its services, especially with making original products.

The students have operated from The Bridge since the summer of 2021 and continue to make steady progress. Speaking about their experience there, Murray and Lewis agreed that one of the biggest ways The Bridge has helped them is by simply providing them a designated work space. As campus residents, both students stressed that keeping their business equipment–including several 3D printers–and conducting their business work in their dorms would be difficult. Thus, having ample space for their equipment as well as completing their work has been invaluable. The Bridge has also helped Murray and Lewis with networking opportunities. Meeting and interacting with people in the Invention to Innovation Center (I²C) building has even led them to gain a client. “Being able to make those connections and being in a place to make those connections is huge,” said Murray.

The Bridge is the literal bridge that connects the College of Business and the I²C building at UAH. Sponsored by the College of Business, The Bridge serves as an incubator for student-owned and run businesses. Students must submit applications with credentials of their company before being accepted into The Bridge program. Currently there are two companies at The Bridge. For inquiries about The Bridge program contact Drew Yarbrough at dwh0012@uah.edu.