Avoiding the Valley of Death: Turning Successful Demos into Major Contracts and First-of-a-Kind Projects

Transitioning from successful demonstrations to securing major contracts and first-of-a-kind (FOAK) projects remains a significant challenge for innovators and businesses. This panel will delve into proven strategies for overcoming the "Valley of Death," where promising innovations fail to transition from prototype to scalable solutions, including leveraging partnerships, navigating regulatory and funding landscapes, and aligning technical achievements with market demands. Panelists will share insights on de-risking early-stage projects, fostering stakeholder trust, and creating pathways to commercialisation and large-scale implementation.

FOAK projects face unique challenges: navigating technical uncertainties, overcoming funding gaps, and achieving societal acceptance. This panel brings together experts from diverse sectors to discuss how FOAK projects can succeed, avoid pitfalls, and align with sustainability goals to create a lasting impact.