Customer challenge
Prysmian Group has recognized the potential to scout and assess emergent technologies and ideas at the inception phase for integration within its corporate framework. The strategy set forth by Prysmian Group encompasses two primary objectives: (1) to systematically identify and assess early-stage technologies demonstrating significant potential, and (2) to strategically position Prysmian Group as a key partner for academic institutions and innovation leaders across Italy, fostering a collaborative ecosystem.
Our results
With respect to the first objective, we ran several rounds of extensive start-up and technology scouting, to identify the most promising ventures in the areas of interest of the client. With reference to just one business segment, relying on proprietary databases, interviews, desk and field research, we identified 80 promising start-ups, of which 10 ca. with a business, technology and value proposition with potential high synergies with Prysmian Group. These were presented to the company, ad a subset will be the object of further assessment to evaluate collaboration opportunities.
To bring the company closer to university and academic research has been a targeted ‘call for ideas’ directed at Italian universities and research institutions. To ensure the outreach was comprehensive and targeted the most relevant entities, we engaged with a variety of university accelerators and technology transfer offices, establishing partnerships essential for promoting and refining the campaign. The campaign exceeded the expectations, yielding over 50 submissions. The top 5 ideas, distinguished by their innovative potential and strategic fit, were presented to Prysmian Group’s senior management. This process culminated in the selection of one standout idea for a co-development contract with the Group, exemplifying the success of this strategic.