Program Overview
SATOP connects businesses with technical experts through a statewide network of industry professionals and academic partners. These connections help entrepreneurs and small businesses solve product development challenges and move from concept to market.
Advancing Innovative Ideas towards Market-Ready Products
How SATOP Works
From identifying your challenge to connecting you with the right expertise, SATOP guides you through a simple process.
Tell Us About Your Product
Share your product development challenge with our team.
We Review Your Needs
Our team reviews the information to identify the best path forward.
Get Connected With Experts
We connect you with industry and academic experts who can help.
Solve Technical Challenges
You work alongside experts to overcome product development obstacles.
Keep Building Forward
Apply new knowledge and solutions to advance your product.
← Swipe to see how SATOP helps →
Pathways for Assistance
SATOP offers two pathways for technical assistance, depending on the scope and complexity of the challenge. SATOP reviews each project and determines the most appropriate pathway based on the project's needs and available resources.
40-Hour Technical Assistance Pathway
One-on-One Technical Guidance
Businesses receive up to 40 hours of no-cost expert consulting to answer questions and address specific product development challenges. Typical 40-Hour projects receive:
- Expert assistance provided by industry professionals
- Support tailored to project needs and challenges
- Technical guidance, research, analysis, and recommendations
University Capstone Design Pathway
Student Design Collaboration
Businesses collaborate with faculty-led teams of senior engineering students to solve complex technical challenges and build prototype solutions. Typical Capstone projects receive:
- Hands-on assistance provided by engineering student design teams
- Support for research, analysis, and concept development
- An academic prototype and technical documentation
Participants engage in a collaborative, problem-solving process tailored to the scope of their project. While SATOP is designed to help participants make meaningful progress, outcomes vary based on project scope and complexity. SATOP’s technical experts volunteer their time to assist participating businesses. As a result, project timelines, deadlines, and the completion of a full prototype or final product cannot be guaranteed.
Products & Industries We Support
From agriculture and medical devices to aerospace and consumer products, SATOP helps businesses overcome technical challenges across a wide range of industries. These include, but are not limited to:
Technical Capabilities We Can Provide
SATOP connects businesses with technical experts across a variety of disciplines, including:
Agriculture & Food Systems
Agricultural technologies, food systems, and related product innovations.
Aerospace & Aeronautical
Aerospace technologies, flight systems, and aviation-related challenges.
Biomedical & Biological
Medical devices, biological systems, and healthcare technologies.
Chemical & Materials
Material selection, chemical processes, and product improvements.
Civil & Environmental
Infrastructure, environmental solutions, and sustainability challenges.
Electrical & Computer Systems
Electronics, sensors, embedded systems, and hardware development.
Industrial & Systems
Process improvement, efficiency, and operational systems.
Mechanical & Manufacturing
Product design, materials, manufacturing processes, and mechanical systems.
Not sure if your project qualifies? We encourage you to apply! SATOP works with small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs at all stages of product development. Our team will review your form and help determine the best path forward.