The principal activities we carried out during the feasibility assessment are described as follows:
1. Market Survey and analysis of state of the art regarding the use of solid-state materials for flame/fire detection:
1.1- Activities undertaken through several channels which include a)- data collection through our annual SPIE conference where optical detection is one of the main topics and where we gather state-of-the-art data from the market (industrial as well as R&D level), b)-research and analysis of relevant published papers , c)- contact/meeting/discussion with key market players, d)- identification of key partners.
1.2-Highlighted Main Results: c Firesense technology is a viable and competitive technical solution.
2. Progress towards Product Development Plan and Process Capability:
2.1- Activities undertaken consisted in several key components such as a)- Preparation of Data Sheet Specifications based on feedback from potential users, b)- Developing prototypes with the aim of customer need validation, c)- further system functionalities and features planned for improved customer adaptability, d)-system operability and accessibility characteristics and identification of operational requirements,
2.2- Highlighted Main Results:-first batch of prototypes achieved and in validation test with potential end-user.
3. Progress towards Exploitation& Dissemination Plans:
3.1- Activities undertaken in order to mature the business plan towards a winning Innovative Product Strategy: a)- assessing an IP survey / mapping in order to establish/strengthen our freedom to operate b)- analysis of market trends and maturity, c)- competitor analysis, d)- validation of user needs, e)-operational requirements and analysis of potential economic and human resources for the new enterprise.
3.2- Highlighted Main Results: One US patent submitted thanks to the provided financial support of SME-Instrument
4. Progress towards Marketing, Commercialization & Communication Plans:
4.1- Activities undertaken: the objectives included: a)- development of a Targeted Market Marketing Strategy in order to identify first customers, position Firesense and create brand awareness, b)-set pricing, perform initial customer testing, c)- identifying scenarios for the launch plan with establish related key performance indicators, d)-identifying potential customer communication channels, e)-risk & barriers identification
4.2- Highlighted Main Results: a)- potential customers identified and first prototype tests ongoing, b)- communication at International (via SPIE Photonics West, San Francisco, Jan. 2020 and Linkedin) achieved, at European & National levels under progress
5. Financial and Capitalization plan:
5.1- Activities undertaken to establish a sustainable enterprise. The work is still under progress supported by the coaching provided through this grant: a)- leverage most effectively assets to create the new enterprise, b)- evaluate in the short and long term possible sources of assets (to complete our Firesense value chain), c)- identify managerial and operational profiles necessary to set up and run the new enterprise.
5.2- Highlighted Main Results: coaching through European Commission Expert ongoing (delayed due to Covid-19) and EIC accelerator submission planned .
