Technology Catalysts - Functional Skills - Opportunity Assessment and Strategic Alliances

Example Projects include:

Fuel Cells
For a North America Tier 1 auto industry supplier, TCI identified enabling technologies in the fuel cells business. Commercialization potential within a two-to-five year horizon was the focus. The findings of this effort were obtained through 35-40 direct in-depth interviews in the US, Europe, and Japan. Key challenges and the solutions to meet them were identified. The fuel cell types considered were: Proton Exchange Membrane, Solid Oxide, Alkaline, and Molten Carbonate. Market sectors investigated were: automotive (power, APUs), residential/stationary, and portable (electronics, military, other). TCI identified and evaluated all of the companies in the fuel cell business that either have commercial products or are close to being commercial and developed a prioritized listing of nine potential strategic partners.

Nanofibers
For a US company with unique, extremely fine-fiber technology, TCI investigated several alternative potential applications and estimated the value of these new business opportunities. In this research effort, TCI focused on household and personal care products, certain air and liquid filtration systems, and catalyst carrier applications. TCI suggested a development prioritization and prepared a detailed market entry strategy based on the client’s technical and commercial strengths; recommendations included strategic alliances with key market participants.

Thermoplastic Elastomers
TCI investigated market opportunities, competitive movements, and threats relating to new technology developments (e.g., metallocene catalysts) used in thermoplastic elastomers. Other developing technologies, such as fuel cells, were investigated to determine impact on demand for thermoplastic elastomers in automobiles.

Magnetorheological Fluids
For Delphi Technologies, TCI successfully identified marketing, strategic alliance, and licensing opportunities for magnetorheological (MR) fluids. Delphi and General Motors have commercially introduced MR fluids in intelligent suspension systems. Delphi owns intellectual property in this field and wanted to investigate new business opportunities.

Contract Manufacturing Services
TCI investigated the contract manufacturing market for a client seeking to expand the scope of its activity in the field by leveraging their considerable process and manufacturing skills. We provided an estimate of the size of the current business, a forecast of growth trends, and an itemization of the key business drivers. For several international companies, TCI has assisted in the identification of customers requiring outsourcing and toll manufacturing services. Typically, TCI first develops a sound understanding of the client’s chemistry strengths and manufacturing capabilities, and then conducts a customized search based on personal interviews to identify potential customers.