Filtration Advancement: From Lab to a Funded Startup
Challenge: A university chemical engineering team developed a nanoparticulate filter material that had a very low pressure drop. The team knew they had a good result but weren’t sure if it was commercially valuable.
TEA Impact: An analysis of the market, financial and technical performance was conducted. The techno-economic analysis showed the material was cost-competitive with incumbent solutions but it needed to reach a large manufacturing scale to compete. The market demand helped shape a development pathway appropriate for initially low manufacturing scale.
Result: The team used the economic and market engagements to secure multiple partnerships, resulting in a spin-out company that funded their research pathway. The lead researcher received a promotion due in part to the funding generated from the spin-out.
3D Printing: From Core Capability to Commercial Manufacturing
Challenge: A 3D printing research group had top-end machines and strong capability, with a suspected market for their services. They wanted to spin-out a company but didn’t know where to begin.
TEA Impact: The discovery phase of information gathering was in itself unexpectedly helpful, driving alignment and standardisation in the stakeholders’ ways of working. Financial modelling identified it was not profitable for the research team to run the intended service, but identified scenarios where it might be viable.
Result: The research team abandoned the unprofitable plans and pivoted to producing higher-value products, later launching a new company that was viable.
Carbon Fibre: Preventing Years of Heartache Through Quick Analysis
Challenge: A materials engineering team were exploring alternative feedstock materials for carbon fibre manufacturing. They had a range of input materials they were exploring, but uncertain about which would make their research attractive to an industry partner.
TEA Impact: At this conceptual stage, a financial analysis of the carbon ratio and input pricing was used to triage options. Low carbon yet inexpensive feedstocks like natural fibres were demonstrated to be sub-economic compared to slightly more expensive yet carbon rich alternatives like polyethylene.
Result: Research commenced on polyethylene to carbon fibre trials. The team were awarded a +$1m grant, contributed to by a carbon fibre manufacturer.
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