How We Work

Our collaborative, step-by-step approach ensures that promising technologies move from concept to commercialization with the right strategy, partnerships, and funding.

Stage 1

Discover & Evaluate

Purpose: We meet with potential partners to discuss the technology, its current state, and its potential.
Key Activities:
- Perform due diligence.
- Work together to answer critical questions about technical feasibility, scalability, market conditions, economic viability, and team dynamics.
Goal: Decide whether to proceed.

Stage 2

Form the Partnership

Purpose: We work collaboratively with potential partners to develop an approach that fits everyone’s needs and goals.
Context:
- Some partners are faculty members pursuing tenure and need publications and summer salary support.
- Others are small-business executives needing immediate revenue.
- Others are innovators seeking to make a global impact.
Goal: Create innovative, win-win agreements to advance the technology.

Stage 3

Chart the Course

Purpose: Develop a clear plan for technology development and intellectual property (IP) strategy.
Key Activities:
- Conduct a deep dive into the market.
- Reach out to potential commercialization partners.
- Determine how far the technology needs to advance before attracting commercial interest.
- Map out a step-by-step strategy to reach that level.
Goal: Establish both a technology roadmap and an IP strategy to secure a competitive moat.

Stage 4

Assess Requirements

Purpose: Identify everything needed to move the technology to its desired state.
Key Activities:
- Perform a comprehensive needs assessment (e.g., financial resources, equipment, materials, and expertise).
- Conduct a phase-gate review to confirm ongoing viability in light of updated information.
Goal: Ensure the project still makes sense to pursue based on new data and insights.

Stage 5

Secure Funding

Purpose: Obtain the necessary funding to move the project forward.
Preferred Funding Sources:
- SBIR/STTR grants
- Local and regional grants
- Other government or non-profit support
Alternative: Seek equity funding if non-dilutive options are not available or sufficient.
Goal: Secure funding to advance R&D and prototyping.

Stage 6

Pilot & Review

Purpose: Execute a research project or pilot to validate the technology, test assumptions, and confirm scalability.
Key Activities:
- Develop the technology further using the secured funding.
- Gather data to assess performance and potential market impact.
Goal:
- Continue iterating and scaling if results are promising (starting with new information at Stage 4).
- Enter the market (through scale-up, launch, licensing, or a sale) if the technology is ready.
- Close out the project if commercial viability is not supported by the data.

How We Work

Ready to scale your next innovation?

Contact Us