Test bold ideas. Reduce risk. Build with confidence.
A Proof of Concept (PoC) is a focused, short term build that proves whether a new idea, technology or solution can work – before you commit to full development.
Whether you’re applying for innovation funding or exploring a new digital direction, a PoC is the smartest, safest way to start.
A Proof of Concept (PoC) is an early stage, low risk way to test whether your innovative idea can work in the real world. In the context of software and technology, it’s a focused, time limited build that demonstrates the feasibility of your concept – often before you commit to full product development.
At GCD, we think of a PoC as the bridge between an idea and a full solution. It’s the phase where your assumptions are challenged, your riskiest unknowns are explored and your vision begins to take shape in the form of working software – even if it’s just a slice of the bigger picture.
Launching something new (whether it’s a startup, new product or internal system) is full of unknowns. A PoC helps you move forward with clarity, not guesswork.
Prove your concept works in practice and is technically achievable. A PoC tests core features, integrations or technologies (like an AI model, API or workflow) before deeper investment, answering questions like “Can we build this?” or “Will it work as expected?” with real evidence.
A PoC helps you discover what’s essential (and what’s not) before investing in a full roadmap. By building and testing early, you’ll uncover new opportunities, customer needs and better ways to solve the problem. It sharpens your vision and often leads directly into a more focused Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or delivery plan.
A PoC gives you something real to show. Whether you're securing grant funding, gaining leadership buy in or aligning internal teams, it builds credibility with working evidence, not just ideas.
Test, learn and decide early, before committing to full development. It helps uncover technical challenges, usability issues or gaps in value early on, when they’re faster and cheaper to fix. By proving or disproving the concept upfront, you reduce the risk of building the wrong thing.
We begin by clearly understanding the problem you’re aiming to solve. This phase ensures alignment on goals, constraints and what success looks like.
With a shared understanding in place, we shape the technical approach and prepare for building. This phase often involves early framing of the solution and low-fidelity technical planning.
This phase is where the concept gets built into a lightweight prototype and the solution gets validated.
Finally, we document the results and outline clear next steps.
Testing a big idea?
Already have internal backing or a hunch worth exploring? Use a PoC to explore new business models, test new technologies (AI, automation, integrations) or trial new digital experiences — with minimal risk and maximum learning.
Start-up or founder?
We’re an ideal delivery partner for Techstart’s Concept Plus Grant and similar funding programmes. We’ve worked with dozens of early stage founders and innovation teams to shape PoCs that meet funder criteria.
Ready to test your big idea?
Whether you’re applying for a grant or exploring a bold new direction, we can help you de-risk your next move and build real momentum.
