During Phase 1 of this grant proposal, a detailed feasibility study has been worked out in order to specify the needed new modules/features to elevate the current technological readiness level (TRL 7) to industrial readiness and identified how to prepare for the first business period. In Phase 1, we have modeled the Phase2 innovation project as well as the first business period related to our developments, potential market channels, applied business models, pricing, utilizations and risks.
The main chapters describe our achievements:
• Technical viability: Possible development alternatives and technical solutions were investigated with respect to the aimed TRL level (TRL9). Further developments contain 3 main technical objectives and 4 capacity-building objectives to accomplish TRL9. We examined the main competitive advantages against the competing technological solutions. Besides this we have analysed the risks concerning the R&D activities, technological barriers and quality assurance issues to be solved during the implementation period.
• IP evaluation: To the priority position of the know-how, a freedom-to-operate analysis has been carried out on the basis of an own patent search and of the official international search report for certain aspects, with positive outcomes. Furthermore we concluded an IPR strategy in order to enable us to protect our IPR rights in the most effective way.
• Phase2 project plan: Based on the feasibility and technical viability checks, a detailed professional project plan has been established utilizing international professional methods. We used an agile project planning method. A 1.14 million EUR Phase 2 project was prepared with the aim of developing TRL8, product maturity Antavo Loyalty Platform with In-store Experience KIOSK, taking into account the necessary HR, financial and infrastructural resources. Further costs – meaning all activities above TRL8, until reaching the adjusted break-even point - will be secured from own capital and VC investment in the form of bridge financing.
• Market research and Business plan: We conducted a series of market research events and tests, contacting a large number of retailers to better understand the market conditions and customer / end user needs. We used an Executive Report market study for market sizing and market segmentation purposes, and also for drawing up the market trends for the next five years. Our elaborated business plan has been compiled in harmony with results of the primary market research and the freedom-to-operate analyses. The plan includes legal environment analysis, business KPIs, a detailed commercialization plan (incl. market entry & scaling-up), business model analysis, return on investment calculations, organizational/HR action plans and stakeholder strategy. We communicated to the public the gained SME project by placing the news in our website also on social media pages of our company.