Task 1: Assessment of technical viability and refinements required to achieve industrialization and final commercialization;
Detailed assessment of the technical viability, applications and refinements required to achieve industrialization and final commercialization of Tail was performed. Results of the analysis were reported and used to generate a comprehensive Work Plan for Phase 2 of the project.
Task 2: Phase 2 Definition: Activities to be carried out in Phase 2, including complete Work Plan development;
A comprehensive Work Plan was generated for the execution during Phase 2, specifically technological and commercial Work Packages.
Task 3: Market assessment and segmentation - perform a more detailed market research how to reach global markets;
A comprehensive market assessment was carried out on the Millward Brown web panel, a CAWI method. The sample of 400 respondents was a random-sum representative of dogs and smartphones or tablets owners. CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interviewing) is a quantitative technique for conducting interviews over the Internet. The characteristic of such a way of reaching respondents is the lack of interference of the interviewer filling in the questionnaire - the respondent himself completes the electronic questionnaire received. Conclusions from the surveys along with market data were used to generate a resulting report that includes market segmentation, market size, competition, value proposition definition, financial projections, commercialization and threat analysis, amongst others.
Task 4: Patent and IP protection study - “Freedom to Operate”, patent strategy and its implementation;
We have performed extended analysis of the Intellectual Property in our company, as well as a Freedom to Operate report by external patent specialists, and prepared a strategy to be implemented in the next phase of the project.
Task 5: Partner search - validate interest and acquire partners, both business and technical;
Partnerships and cooperation with external parties represent an integral part in the project and are therefore critical for the success in meeting our goals during execution of Phase 2. As part of the Feasibly Study and in preparations toward SMEI Phase 2 in the backdrop of the anticipated commercialization of Tail, we have interviewed and performed due diligence on a number of potential sales partners, as well as technical contractors. As a result, we have generated contract offers from number strategic actors. In addition, we have entered into preliminary partnership with a technical development house towards support of the R&D complementing Tail internal resources.
Task 6: Regulatory framework study - certification analysis of requirements on EU and USA;
Tail may be tested on animals in the duration of product development. Experiments on vertebrate animals in the European Union are subject to Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes. In the EU, we will comply with Directive 2010/63/EU during development phase and apply for a CE marking required for every electronic device for consumer use. Additionally, in the US we obtain the FCC Declaration of Conformity or the FCC label (FCC mark).
Task 7: Elaborated Business Plan - market launch strategy with detailed and necessary steps for production and distribution, followed with an updated business plan;
Detailed market and business study was performed. We have identified market trends and the ecosystem in the intelligent dog accessory arena, which should be included in our business network. Development, production and distribution were planned. Financial projections were simulated. The most suitable market opportunities for Tail were identified.
