Technical Viability Study: A technical study was carried out following TRL approach adaption of smartFEEsh conditions, both NOVOFEED and SMARTFEED to real smartFEEsh production scale. Analysis by quality department to adjust smartFEEsh project to FFF management system and standard requirements will also be done to meet with European standards and certifications. Different engineering suppliers and manufacturers were studied and the final marketable characteristics of both modules and the whole smartFEEsh solution.
Commercial Viability Plan: Acceptation of smartFEEsh innovations into the target markets during the 2-step penetration scheme (Europe and then rest of the world) was studied and adapted to the available information. Production facilities, capabilities, raw materials and distribution costs were calculated together with end users’ buying drivers, market trends and segment.
Risks Assessment and Contingency Plan: A risk assessment was conducted attending two key parameters: technical (software properties, , quality and whole system operation, feed volume capacities, marketable device size) and economical (price, costs and distributors network). Mitigation and contingency plan was also elaborated based on FFF production and commercial experience.
IPR Protection: Identification of the adequate protection for smartFEEsh innovation was carried out. Our strategy will be focused on patenting smartFEEsh innovations as the most suitable method for the IPR protection. A Freedom-To-Operate analysis was surveyed to ensure we can do it at least in the EU.
Partnering and end-users’ search: Distributors and local representatives, where FFF has not already operated (outside Galicia), have been contacted to identify business opportunities, needs and specific requirements. Finally we decided to incorporate KEFALONIA Fisheries, a Greek hatchery, as Phase 2 partner to validate the demo unit in a real environment.
Business Plan: A Business plan has been elaborated. Competitors, barriers and opportunities analysis has been studied and updated. Target markets, distribution of sales, benefits and production capacity have been redefined based on this outcome.
