Innovative technology has inherent risk associated with its feasibility, scalability, and performance in real-world applications.  TT&C attempts to mitigate such risk by working with faculty inventors to conduct feasibility studies and proof-of-concept experiments designed to validate the technology's efficacy and potential market demand.   An invention’s journey from inception to commercialization typically involves several key stages, each with its own set of activities, challenges, and milestones.

Figure 2 summarizes key initial stages to get an invention ready for market.  It does not show the subsequent stages which include production scaling, commercial launch, and operational support.