Developing a value proposition for Metamaterials Workshop

One of the key challenges for teams developing new and innovative technology is to figure out if they are commercially viable. The ability to create and test prototypes in laboratory environments, often at pace, can cloud the need for ongoing validation of the commercial potential in the context of the market’s need and the emerging competitor environment.

Therefore, it is important to understand who your potential customers are and to clearly define the product in context of the features you are developing (technical and performance) and the direct and indirect benefits (i.e. how you are solving the problems or the sector or application). It is an iterative process throughout the R&D phase – especially when there is likely to be a need to secure grant funding, investment and develop collaborative partnerships across the whole value chain.

At the end of the workshop participants will understand how to identify and develop value propositions and use this to prioritise R&D and commercialisation activities to validated applications. The approach and methodology is generic and we encourage input cross-sector as you will encounter similar challenges in establishing your technology in this emerging sector.

For this workshop we will look at the following four applications as models:

• Acoustics
• Nanophotonic and Plasmonic
• Wireless and Microwave
• Mechanical

Why attend?

This event aims to provide researchers, commercial/business development and technical leads with a common understanding and approach to developing and commercialising innovations.

Preparing for commercialisation with value proposition thinking will equip attendees with:

• A planning framework: identify how the technology or innovation you are considering/planning could add value in the market?
• Customer centric thinking: challenge your ‘Product:Market’ fit alignment to ensure there is a commercial and scalable future for the potential applications of your metamaterial technology.
• A value proposition: develop the compelling narrative that will help you secure funding, finance and/or commercial partners.

The event will begin with a short introduction of the key aspects of developing a value proposition. The delegates will then join thematic breakout rooms, split by sector/application or delegate interest to work together to develop their business model thinking and propositions for the application.

The interactive sessions will also include a short case study presentation from a client team working in metamaterials to highlight the importance of commercial stress-testing and value proposition delivery.

Who should attend?

This event is designed for people engaged in the development and commercialisation of metamaterials and for those supporting the emerging sector, for example in manufacturing, regulation, and performance validation.

• 10:00 – Welcome and Introduction
• Knowledge Share PART 1: Focus on the fundamentals
• Peer to peer learning: feedback on key observations/findings to room
• Break
• Knowledge Share PART 2: Getting the product: market fit right using a Value Proposition Canvas
• Peer to peer learning: feedback on key observations/findings to room
• Q&A
• 13:00 – Close