EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Astotec is an Austrian industrial and technology company founded in 1860 that develops and manufactures pyrotechnic products for safety-related applications. With pyrotechnics as a base, Astotec creates customized solutions for its customers ranging from electrical safety elements to igniters and actuators. Core characteristics of the technology comprise its fast ignition, high energy release, and the possibility for only single usage. Those characteristics facilitate that the technology can be used in safety-related situations such as pedestrian or passenger safety, for example to open an airbag or create an additional crumple zone. 

Goal

Our goal was to identify possible new application fields for Astotec. The technology is currently mainly being used in the automotive industry, which is why we were trying to find a potential application outside of this industry. Furthermore, Astotec provided specific KPIs on production numbers and market criteria, which they need as a minimum for new application fields to enter successfully.

Methodology

Our project followed the four key steps of the process using the technological competence leveraging (TCL) technique. First, we identified the benefits of the technology. Understanding which benefits matter to the end user can help you identify potential trade-offs. Second, we began looking for application fields after determining the most important benefits. At this point, we were employing creative methods to generate a longlist of potential application fields. Thirdly, we narrowed down the 65 application fields to 15 shortlisted ones by evaluating the strategic fit and benefit relevance. Finally, Astotec chose three application fields for us to further evaluate in terms of the market size, competition, and strategic ramifications.

Results

At the final stage of the project, Astotec representatives meticulously evaluated and selected three of the most promising application fields for further analysis. The objective was to provide in-depth information on marketing insights, technology capabilities, and potential project partners. The team collaborated closely with industry experts to ensure the application fields not only fulfilled the target market's requirements but also were technologically feasible. To validate this, the team conducted extensive interviews with industry experts. As a result of their diligent work and collaboration, the application fields were thoroughly analyzed, and the project received glowing reviews from Astotec representatives. The comprehensive evaluation process enabled Astotec to make informed decisions and helped lay the foundation for future success.

Cooperation Partner

• Bojan Vidakovic

• Markus Marker

Contact Person

• Bojan Vidakovic

• Markus Marker

Student Team

• Julia Emelie Wensauer

• Karolina Wick

• German Gnetov

• Greta Lara Maria Kämper

• Nico Raphaele Stranner

• David Schlager

Project Manager

• Klaus Marhold, Ph.D.

• Sophie Quach, MA