18. Invention, Intellectual Property and Income:

In this week's work, I will discuss my future plans to make the ideas behind the campus ROVER the base for a possibly successful business proyect.

Step 1: Intellectual Property

It is difficult for a great idea to be capitalized if is not protected somehow to avoid it being replicated and sold by someone else. And although these legal barriers don't stop every attempt of everyone else trying to steal your ideas, it is a very good startpoint to allow your brand to grow, mature and permeate into the market.

Because of this, the protection of the ideas and inventions behind the campusROVER will be attempted with the following:

  • A patent for the whole scooter system idea.
  • A patent onto every individual component or concept that can be patented.
  • Protection of the device and its safety measures through secrecy and reverse-engineering obstacles.

The income from the product then, shall be produced from selling the finished product to individuals and organizations, which will require thorough testing and further improvement of the different products offered.

Step 2: Dissemination Plan

Good ideas are nothing unless they are released to the world, specially so when trying to capitalize on them. To share an promote the campusROVER brand and products effectively I need to set a plan:

1: Audience Identification

I have to identify here the possible kinds of public who would probably be interested in either, buying the product or investing in the idea.

  • Potential users: Young-adult urban-commuters, eco-conscious individuals, tech-savyy people.
  • Investors: Companies and Individuals interested in electric vehicles and sustainable transport solutions.
  • Collaborators: Universities, tech startups and makerspaces (such as FabLabs).
2: Channels of Dissemination:
How will I reach my intended audience?
  • Website: Create a dedicated project website with detailed information, shopping options, updates, and a blog.
  • Social Media: Use platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter to share progress, videos, and images.
  • Tech Communities: Engage with communities on platforms like Reddit, Hackaday, and GitHub.
3: Content Strategy:

With what will I reach those people?

  • Visual Content: High-quality images and videos demonstrating the scooter’s features and development process.
  • Written Content: Blog posts, articles, and case studies detailing the technical aspects, challenges, and solutions.
  • Presentations: Participate in tech conferences, webinars, and local meetups to present your project.
4: Public Relations:

Once they're reached, how do I give it credibility?

  • Press Releases: Send to tech blogs, local newspapers, and industry-aligned magazines.
  • Interviews: Engage with local influencers, podcasts, and YouTube channels related to technology and transportation.
5: Feedback Loop:

Let's hear what potential customers and investors have to say!

  • Surveys: Collect feedback from early adopters and tech enthusiasts.
  • Community Engagement: Respond to comments, questions, and suggestions on social media and forums.

Step 3: Future posibilities and further enhancements:

The campusROVER at its actual state, though it works, is far from ready to be a product that you can buy, and many good and viable ideas were left behind on this first development stage.

The next iteration for the campusROVER may incorporate:

  • More professional, durable and prettier finishes.
  • Enhanced motor dynamics.
  • Extended battery life and more robust battery monitoring.
  • Unlock with an app funcionality.
  • Smartphone as dashboard.
  • More reliable mechanical systems.
  • Reduced system weight.
  • Regenerative braking

Thank you for taking a look into my last week's progress!

Useful links