Capstone – Project
Sales and Business Development Research support for Polyplexus, an online collaborative R&D platform: polyplexus.com
A Collaboration Between
We are reshaping the scientific R&D process with our partner DARPA, as members of a multi-disciplinary consortium (which includes science PhDs, gaming experts from Niantic and entertainment leaders). The Polyplexus platform serves the global research community and accelerates the rate of idea exchange, hypothesis generation, proposal development, and sponsor identification. This developing network includes both traditional and non-traditional performers and facilitates cross-disciplinary breakthroughs at pace with global change.
During the initial stage, the platform gets its funding from DARPA but is is looking to commercialize. The student will work on this live case and help shape a strategy for effective monetization of the platform based on market research and business modeling. An end goal of this engagement could be a report or presentation on how Polyplexus could generate revenue in a self-sustaining manner.
HOST VENUE ADDRESS
- 12 E 49th St 11th floor, New York, NY 10017.
REQUIRED PREREQUISITES
- Basic understanding of the product development process
- Interest in science and technology research
- Ability to communicate professionally (students might get a chance to interact with the client directly)
- Ability to prepare client-ready reports and presentations
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Students will- learn about commercializing a SaaS platform.
- gain insights into the R&D process.
- gain hands-on experience in working with a cross-disciplinary team.
- serve a real-time client project.
- learn about market analysis and customer development.
Project Topics
Company Information
| Company | Herzog and Schindler |
| HQ | New York |
| Revenue | Unlisted |
| Employees | 1-5 |
| Stage | Small Business |
| Hiring Potential | Follow-on Projects, Formal Internship, Entry Level Full-Time |
| Website | https://herzogschindler.com/ |
Company Overview
As structural strategists, we translate possibilities into practical and flexible plans, expressions, experiences, and products. In other words, we help our partners think about opportunity, talk about it, create it, and deliver it. We have partnered with domestic and global organizations in the arts, entertainment and media, healthcare, manufacturing, philanthropy, and technology — all of whom are navigating an evolving landscape. We refresh legacy efforts and create new expressions and products as opportunities emerge or change.
Experiential Learning Program Details
| School | University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business |
| Engagement Format | Capstone - Small Team Consulting Project - Students work in consulting teams of 3-5 directly with faculty and client liaisons on developing real solutions to real-world challenges. |
| Course | |
| Level | N/A |
| Students Enrolled | N/A |
| Meeting Day & Time | N/A |
| Student Time Commitment | 1-3 Hours Per Week |
| Company Time Commitment | 3-5 Hours |
| Duration | 0.29 Weeks |
Program Timeline
| Touchpoints & Assignments | Due Date | Type |
|---|
Key Project Milestones
-
October 14, 2019 - Day 1 – Introduction
- Register for Polyplexus and exploring the platform
- Understand what is Polyplexus
- Learn about the current Polyplexus users
- Understand the operating structure of Polyplexus
- Learn who funds Polyplexus
- Understand how DARPA grants work
- Dive into specific customer use-cases
Suggested Deliverable:
Q&A guide to discuss any gaps in understanding of the platform, users, and the operations.
-
October 15, 2019 - Day 2 – Product Feature Analysis
- In-depth analysis of each current Polyplexus feature
- Review of other platforms or products offering similar features individually or in a package
- Identification of potential new features based on existing functionality (i.e. no new development required)
- Attendance of call with the whole Polyplexus team to ask predetermined questions
Suggested Deliverable:
A brief PowerPoint presentation to capture thinking to date, including product feature analysis.
-
October 16, 2019 - Day 3 – Development of Draft Commercialization Strategies
- Development of initial commercialization strategies for Polyplexus based on Day 1 and Day 2 work and presentation to H&S team
- Refinement of commercialization strategies based on feedback received from the H&S team
Suggested Deliverable:
Working commercialization strategies for Polyplexus. Students may use tools such as Strategyzer’s Business Model Canvas.
-
October 17, 2019 - Day 4 – Development of Final Commercialization Strategies
- Finalize one or several commercialization strategies for Polyplexus
- Presentation to select Polyplexus team members
- Refinement of one or several commercialization strategies (if needed) to conclude internship
Suggested Deliverable:
Final commercialization strategy(ies) for Polyplexus.
Project Resources
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