PantherlabWorks

PantherlabWorks, the commercialization center of the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence (IEE) at the University of Pittsburgh, assists startups and business owners in the Pittsburgh region by providing product development-based consulting, educational workshops, and networking opportunities.

What We Do

PantherlabWorks works with select clients—both early-stage and existing businesses—to provide the strategic knowledge and assistance needed to bridge the gap to commercialization in order to help great ideas become commercially viable ones.

Following an initial evaluation, clients begin an intensive consulting engagement that leads to a plan and timeline to bring a new product, service or technology to market.

Financial

  • Determine fundraising strategy
  • Identify grant opportunities
  • Evaluate business plans
  • Evaluate grant proposals
  • Assist with budgeting
  • Evaluate pitch deck or fundraising campaign materials

Commercialization

  • Assist in developing a product launch plan or go-to-market strategy
  • Facilitate connections to manufacturers and vendors
  • Develop user feedback surveys
  • Analysis of marketing material
  • Facilitate focus groups
  • Early stage product conceptualization

Development

  • Determine product development pathway
  • Define a minimally viable product
  • Identify resources for prototyping, manufacturing, and product testing
  • Evaluate pricing strategies
  • Conduct market and competitor analysis
  • Assist with brand and marketing strategy