IPR analysis: a deep review together with Clarke, Modet & Co of related patents to the new functionalities have been made over 100 databases including USPTO (USA), EPO (Europe), WIPO (Global) as well as national patent office in France, Germany, UK, China, Korea, Japan and Spain. Deep analysis of each patent showed that two features of EnviroALARM sensor are susceptible of patent:
• Sensor able to detect liquid hydrocarbon as well as high concentration of vapours.
• Electronic design able to detect the correct location of the sensor inside a monitoring well.
As a result of the business plan and the market strategy defined, SST has decided to apply for an international patent.
Customer survey analysis: The market research done over 236 customers in 11 countries shows a strong interest in EnviroALARM product/service. Over 25% of the interviewed potential distributors/customers showed a positive response to the technology. The analysis served to define the features demanded by the end-users as well as the best sales strategy: offer the system 100% as a service rather than a combination of hardware + service.
Demo studies: Large scale demonstrative and testing actions for EnviroALARM will be developed on 200 sites with 8 different monitoring conditions during Phase 2 execution, selected with the support of HERA distributor company and end users such as CEPSA, GALP and CLH, in order to reach real condition tests (TRL 8).
Business plan: The conservative market share for year one has been projected to be 0.06%, ending up in year six with a projected share of 1.05% of the SAM. The growth potential of EnviroALARM is huge worldwide, having the opportunity to tackle two different markets such as Underground Storage Tanks (petrol stations and others) and Above Storage Tanks (big storage tank facilities, refineries, civil infrastructure and others) with the same product, increasing the chances of success. Conservative business plan indicates that will reach more than 16,800 EnviroALARM system sold in year six with cumulative revenues >40M€.
