The assigning party suspects that the platform can be used on a much broader scale and asks InnoTact to thoroughly explore the potential applications. They also requested a follow-up market study and further guidance in the commercialisation process.

Following a thorough functional analysis of the platform and in conjunction with various experts within and outside TNO, InnoTact has identified a large number of potential applications. The recognised strengths and weaknesses of the platform were also taken into account here. InnoTact developed selection criteria, including patent protection, technological viability, further development costs, time-to-market, alignment with the TNO core competencies etc. and the corresponding weighting factors. The applications were classified in conformance with this method during an interactive session with TNO, and priorities could be set in respect of the further commercialisation based on rational grounds. This enabled TNO to request a directed market study of the most promising applications. During this market study, which was also executed in conjunction with experts from within and outside TNO, we were able to determine matters including practical usability, market sizes and competitive position. These insights led to a recommendation to TNO regarding the further commercialisation of the new platform technology.

Throughout the process, TNO Quality of life were in a position to make clear decisions regarding which platform applications to develop further, and, just as important, which should not be developed further. The decision was made to set up a spin off company, based on substantiated market estimates and as recommended by InnoTact. Financing was rapidly in place for this new spin off and it could get up and running.
It was important for TNO to be involved in this process and to learn from it. They also use the method of objectively setting criteria, scores, weighting factors for other newly developed technologies.

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