The Demand Pull Project facilitates the transfer of emerging technologies from Federal Labs, advanced technology manufacturers, and the university research community to mainstream and assistive technology manufacturers. To accomplish this task we seek technologies that address critical needs of people with hearing, communication, mobility, and visual impairments. The Demand Pull Team identifies and defines market needs in the Forum Proceedings. Specific market needs for each disability group are defined in Problem Statements. A companion a project, entitled Facilitating AT Industry Innovation through Focused Market Research, allows us to create a realistic picture of each industry segment.

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Demand Pull Project Services

The path to successful transfer is filled with risk. There are many points along this path that can derail a potentially successful transfer. Technologies presented to manufacturers face a number of decision points during commercialization efforts. At any point a negative review can derail a successful transfer. As a result, the Demand Pull Team supports technology developers to help ensure positive reviews throughout the commercialization process .

The Demand Pull Project provides the following services and supports to technology developers at no cost:

• Conduct market research
• Technology review
• Competing product analysis
• Preliminary patent search to establish the market potential of accepted technologies
• Develop non-proprietary technology disclosure used to introduce a technology to potential business partners
• Assist in the development of commercialization options
• Identify and contact potential business partners
• Assist in negotiations with potential business partners as a neutral, experienced broker
• Identify funding options

The Demand Pull Project (typically) provides some services to technology developers on a shared-cost basis. Examples of these services include:

• Focus groups:
• to identify design requirements for new products;
• to refine existing product's design;
• to validate prototype products;
• Surveys
• to establish design priorities
• to establish price points and purchase intent
• on-line surveys
• Grant development assistance (SBIR/STTR)

Important Note: The project team works with each technology developer to identify those services that are like to provide the most efficient and cost-effective means by which to transfer their technology and lead to the commercialization of products. Recommended services will vary on a case-by-case basis.

Interested readers are invited to review the Methods and References for additional details on the Demand Pull Project.

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