New Technology Testing

Technologies will face a wide range of challenges on the road to commercial success. Often there is an overly strong focus on the technical development of the product. However, in our experience some of the bigger challenges involve working early closely with end-customers to make sure that new technologies are meeting and solving their pressing problems. The second big challenge is developing sufficient technology testing results in order to get recognition and acceptance among potential buyers and within new markets. A deep understanding of the customer’s needs, and the technologies capabilities will maximize the chances that the technology will be commercially viable while being priced to maximize value to both the end customer and the producer.

At WaterIQ, we have the technical expert with access to advanced analytical technologies to help understand the underlying mechanisms in new technologies. However, we also have significant experience in the commercialization of new technologies and can make sure we are looking at the product through the lens of the customer experience and the practical challenges of what goes on every day on site.

Market Led Technology development is a philosophical model that places the customer at the centre of your development process. Too many products fail because they are either product or market driven, therefore a holistic view must be taken integrating both technology and marketing into the development cycle. Each step of the technology development process is then infused with feedback loops with potential customers to make sure that the development is producing an outcome that of value to your potential buyers. This approach gives you the highest likelihood of building a commercially viable product.

An Industry Needs Assessment is a process for determining what needs an industry has from both a high and detailed level. A needs assessment is the “what” (what the industry needs) that precedes the gap analysis, which is the “how” (how to close the gap between where they currently are and where they want or need to be) and then this follows to provide the technology solution to fill that gap. Its critical to make sure that your product is aligned to solving industry pain points, otherwise it possible that when your product is launched that it won’t be front of mind for your potential customers.

Our industry needs analysis includes surveys and interviews with potential customers as well as a PEST (political, economic, social, and technological) analysis and SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis to examine the macro-level factors that make up the environment that the organization exists within.

WaterIQ is able to conduct a range of investigations including:

Scientific Development Trial – Designed for when more scientific evidence is required to bring a product to market, a scientific development program places a greater focus on understanding underlying processes and developing in-depth analysis to explain experimental outcomes.

Lab Trials – A lab trial is perfect for those who what a more information about the applicability of a technology to a specific set of conditions, whether that be a specific customer’s water or process or a new geography.

Plant Pilot Trials – A full pilot trial can be implemented to develop case studies specific to a geographic region or a new application area or as a final proof of technology effectiveness. Some customers prefer to run pilot studies before completely committing to a new technology.

Marketing Trials – A marketing trial is primarily designed to validate not only the technical viability of a project but also the commercial viability. Additional focus is put onto the customer experience, cost-in-use and dose requirements as well as quantification of the customer benefits.

Absolutely. WaterIQ can work with you and our development partners to design and construct a wide range of testing equipment from lab scale to full pilot plant scale. We can also help project manage pilot trails if you prefer to use your own engineering team.