Digital fabrication laboratories have become established as learning environments and innovation support hubs, assisting startups in product development. Within the Ocean project, startups participate in structured innovation programs at different stages of maturity, receiving mentorship, access to equipment, and technical support. Throughout this process, they progress through various development phases, from the initial concept to the creation of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). When they reach the product development stage, they can access the Ocean Digital Fabrication Laboratory, a space equipped with 3D printers, CNC machines, and electronic components to create their MVPs. The laboratory is organized into three main areas: computing (focused on programming and 3D printing), mechanics (modeling and CNC machining), and electronics (circuit prototyping and microcontrollers). The laboratory provides infrastructure for experimentation, modeling, testing, and adjustments, allowing startups to validate their proposals before advancing to more complex production stages. The research is based on observing activities carried out in the laboratory, including monitoring design, fabrication, and testing processes conducted by startups, as well as analyzing the impact of this support on project development. Among the cases studied, the Chemical startup stands out for developing MIRAI, a device for water quality measurement with IoT connectivity. The technical support and access to digital fabrication tools enabled hardware improvements and sensor integration, allowing for functional testing and refinement of the device. The results indicate that this structured support facilitates product validation, reducing development costs, time, and technological barriers faced by early-stage entrepreneurs. Furthermore, the relationship between education, technology, and entrepreneurship brings startups closer to market demands, fostering an innovation ecosystem where knowledge exchange and collaboration drive new solutions.

Keywords: Digital fabrication, startups, prototyping, MVP, innovation.