Electrosciences Limited provides specialised scientific and technical consultancy to industry and academia in multifunctional materials research and development.
The company is now applying its experience in thin film metrology tools to develop a new class of metrology tools for ultra-thin piezo films required for high frequency electronics, active surfaces for soft robotics, haptic surfaces, and other touch screen technologies.
Piezo materials have been used for decades and the range of applications has grown steadily, although performance requirements are very applications’ specific. Adoption continues to be evolutionary as these materials are deployed in ever more challenging environments.
Thin film piezo materials enable a further wide range of applications and their adoption is accelerating as the enabling technologies for their use (materials, deposition equipment, metrology) continue to improve rapidly. The range of sectors using thin-film piezo applications is very broad and growing rapidly.
However, currently metrology tools to evaluate and monitor the piezo performance of these films are very limited and this is presenting a barrier to their wider and further exploitation. Electrosciences is addressing this problem by developing a new class of metrology tools for the application. As part of this development programme, Electrosciences was been awarded an Innovate UK Smart grant to review market and user needs, build a prototype instrument that incorporating several innovations, and test it on materials supplied by Key Opinion Leaders.
Qi3 undertook the market assessment work package in the project. Its research addressed key questions on: market sectors, size & shape of the addressable markets, stage of market development; customer types, value proposition, channels to market; competitive environment and Electrosciences competitive advantage; market growth drivers & barriers to entry; and potential first customers.
Following extensive research and discussions with Key Opinion Leaders, Qi3 presented a market framework and series of deep insights to guide both the project and Electrosciences strategic development. Strategy options and recommendations on the value proposition, user needs, product development and commercialisation strategy were evaluated as part of the final workshop in the project, and the conclusions incorporated into Electrosciences long-term plans.
“Qi3’s market insights and strategy recommendations have been invaluable in guiding both the Innovate UK funded project and the overall strategic development of Electrosciences. They have given us a rigorous framework to evaluate the different technology / market opportunities we have and a clear strategy on how to exploit them. We anticipate returning to Qi3 for further services as Electrosciences product range continues to develop.