PantherlabWorks Services

PantherlabWorks consulting services add value through a three-stage process whereby we will assess, advise and connect.

Assess

An important first step is taking inventory of the necessary ingredients for commercializing a technology. Together, we will review the current status of the following:

  • Product : Do you have proof-of-concept for your technology? What is your intellectual property position?
  • Market - Who will be your customers? Who else offers a product or service that serves a similar purpose? How are you different from potential competitors?
  • Team - Who are the key team members and what are their areas of expertise? What connections do you have in the industries you hope to enter?

Areas requiring additional research and resources are then determined and specific action steps are prioritized in a letter of engagement.

Advise

Utilizing a collaborative, team-based approach, the work plan outlined in the letter of engagement is implemented. PantherlabWorks undertakes and completes specific components of the work plan, while providing guidance and direction for you in completing specified areas.

  • Product - Determine the usability and effectiveness of the technology and develop the intellectual property position.
  • Market - Validate the market for the product or service, analyze potential competitors and assess trends and resources in relevant industries.
  • Team - Take an inventory of available skills, identify skill gaps, and develop the breadth and depth of the innovator's network in Western Pennsylvania and beyond to support commercialization of the technology.
  • Business plan and pitch - Work with you to refine the business plan and pitch to create a clear, compelling vision of the technology, completing additional research as required to strengthen value-proposition of technology.
  • Business structure - Review the legal structure of any existing business and advise on the process of establishing a company.

Connect

PantherlabWorks will help you connect with people who can offer the skills, opportunities and resources you seek - almost like an entrepreneurial dating network. We suggest not only those with whom a relationship may prove advantageous, but coach on 'how to' approach and foster those relationships. Armed with the output of the 'assess' and 'advise' stages of the consulting process, including a business plan as a communication tool, clients are connected with:

  • Potential partners, including researchers and mentors.
  • Potential funding sources.
  • Potential customers.

Our robust team of professionals provide value-added consulting services at no charge throughout the process, thanks to the generosity of local foundations dedicated to advancing economic development in Western Pennsylvania .

Spotlight

  • Mike Lehman profiled for supporting entrepreneurship
    University Times
    Date: 12/04/2008

    The University of Pittsburgh’s University Times printed a feature about the excellent support the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence (IEE) offers to entrepreneurs. Mike Lehman, director of student services and PantherlabWorks, discussed the services available to researchers and innovators looking to commercialize new products and technologies and to enterprising students throughout the University of Pittsburgh.
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  • Tributary Technologies proposes mobile, real-time video streaming
    Date: 11/19/2008

    Picturing a tech entrepreneur, many people might imagine a college student creating program codes in her parents’ basement, or perhaps a young Bill Gates who leaves college and become one of the richest people in America. What people might not expect is a nurse and lawyer detailing their innovative camcorder accessory that would allow for live video from the sidelines of a football game or the front row of a wedding.
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  • Michael Lehman stands at intersection of entrepreneurship, education and science
    Date: 09/22/2008

    The IEE is determined to bridge two Pittsburgh specialties - education and a growing technology industry - with a new leader.
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