Team:UCL E/Business/T

We have identified three markets: Education, Citizen Science and Field Research.

Education: Our primary market is science education in UK secondary schools. When At present, schools are reported to have [http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-22369573 too little equipment] for effective practical work and [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/10030738/Schools-wasting-science-lab-budget-on-photocopying.html unable to offer] a full range of practical lessons.

http://www.architecture.com/Files/RIBAHoldings/PolicyAndInternationalRelations/ClientForums/Schools/Events/Archive/2004/DesigningFromInsideOut/AndyPiggott.pdf

2. Better science laboratory facilities in schools should be a top priority http://www.rsc.org/AboutUs/News/PressReleases/2010/BetterLabs.asp

3. The new facilities enable the pupils to gain a better understanding of the subject through more ‘hands on’ experience. Science departments receive [http://www.rsc.org/images/2004Laboratories_tcm18-12553.pdf £9.89 per pupil].

Citizen Science: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizen_science Citizen scientists] is a term used to described amateur or nonprofessional scientists that has gained popularity in recent years, including in [http://www.nature.com/naturejobs/science/articles/10.1038/nj7444-259a research], [http://www.scientificamerican.com/citizen-science/ science magazines] and the [http://makezine.com/2010/09/01/citizen-science-month/ maker community]. As it is is difficult to estimate an accurate figure of molecular biology citizen scientists, we choose to approximate the size of a group by using the example of the DIYBio network. [http://diybio.org DIYBio] presents a growing citizen science community of molecular biologists, biotechnologists and bioartists. Projects range from microbe mapping to [http://pavillon35.polycinease.com/recipe-1-yeast-printing/ yeast printing]. DIY Science can be considered as an [http://www.nature.com/spoton/2012/12/spoton-nyc-diy-science-an-alternate-approach-to-scientific-experimentation/ alternative approach to scientific experimentation]. One common barrier is access to the technology, where cost and skills are both problems.

Field Research: A range of fields, from textile conservation to evolutionary biology, require the use of biotechnology, in particular PCR.

Market reaction

Open-source/DIY

Example: IO rodeo Most likely group to be affected initially by the Darwin Toolbox entry into the market. Like our start-up, small companies typically struggle to compete with regards resources and reach. However they may be possible sources of collaboration instead of competition.

Global Biotechnology Companies

Example: Bio-rad This group is unlikely to be affected in the first couple years. As their products are currently sold in mass quantities and with restricted accessibility to individuals, they don't currently reach Darwin Toolbox's target market. They may react to youGEM's entry by making their products better towards individuals.

Specialised Companies (e.g. forensics)

Example: Sirchie Similar to global companies, this group is unlikely to be immediately affected initially as it is well established. However as this group target a niche market, they may later be challenged by Darwin Toolbox's broader scope.