The world of new-product technology development is a slow one that often needs a little bit of luck and patience to get over that last little hurdle. There are many ways to help make that luck, but none are more important than patience and diligence. The important aspect to consider is not moving too quickly with a product that is close but not quite there.
In many instances, companies focus on the version #1 introduction followed closely by a version #2, #3, and #4 to iron out the bugs in version #1. A solid new-product introduction, past the obvious and annoying tech introductions, is a product that has staying power right out of the box.
Octillion Corp., a technology incubator, works to facilitate commercialization of technology-related products. The company is currently focused on new solar energy conversion and alternative energy projects.
Past posts have highlighted Octillion Corp.’s unique development structure. This discussion highlights the company’s ability to develop end-use products at lower administrative costs, resulting in lower new-product development costs and increased attention to all possible niche-product applications. Ultimately, this process allows the company to manage its chosen end-use products to a more competitive advantage. Since those postings, the company has been having successes with its latest new-product development project.
September 18, 2008 finds the company entering into a collaborative agreement with Oakland University which will work toward full examination of a nanotechnology solar film process and its range of niche applications. The process, designed to manufacture nanoparticles of consistent size onto a substrate, is directed at windows and the use of nanoparticles on glass for power generation (50-60% efficiency.) Ultimately, the process strives for little if any available light loss through a glass windowpane while generating photoelectric power.
From all indications, this work has generated significant progress: 10 US patents, 8 pending US patents, 8 issued foreign counterpart patents and 21 pending foreign counterpart patents. Generally, one might surmise that commercialization of the process is coming. What management mentions to a lesser degree is that it is also working with Oakland University on additional ways to use the technology. As the company and university are both located in Michigan – a strong supporter of environmental start-up research companies – it will have access to a variety of manufacturers, research organizations and host of niche application opportunities.
Octillion Corp. is making steady progress on this end-product application and headway in many others not related to nanotechnology and environmental science in general. As it moves closer to commercialization in its nanotechnology and other endeavors, a wise investment may lead to a nice reward.
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