WIOTECH AB - CultureBee from Pilot to MK II
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | WIOTECH AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 400 000 |
| Project duration | June 2013 - January 2014 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
The aim was to accelerate the work on a new generation of CultureBee with the following objectives: - Ensure avoidance of patent infringement - Reduce the manufacturing cost - File at least one own patent The project has met the targets. Tools for a total of 6 parts, were manufactured and tested. Electronics hardware is tested with positive result. A Freedom to Operate has been executed with positive results. A patent application is filed with the European Patent Office under reference EP13190154.8. The product is found to also generate increased interest from partners and customers.
Results and expected effects
The outcome of the project is positive and can be commented upon, in relation to the objectives, in the following way: The desired acceleration of the product upgrade was made possible by the funding received. The initial Freedom To Operate search resulted in clearance for further work. An own patent has been prepared and submitted to the EPO. Tools have been developed and tested with good results. New Electronics hardware was tested successfully after some minor changes. The expected reduction of the product cost has been reached. The project has thus essentially met its targets.
Approach and implementation
The project management according to the activity oriented plan, attached to the funding application, showed to work well. The overall classification in Mechanics, Electronics, Patents and Manufacturing were then divided into subtasks that formed the real action plan of the actual parts and items. Since the number of line items were not that many and almost all external contacts have been Swedish companies, it is our conclusion that it was fairly convenient to administer the plan. Some minor delays did occur, but they have been managed without significant influence on the final result.