Technology scan
100+entries characterized
Search every industry
We found translatable solutions, partners and licensing options and ranked them on agreed metrics.
Case Study · Technology Scouting
New looks for a flexing air cushion.
A global sportswear company wanted new colors, translucence and iridescence for a flexible air cushion in its footwear. We scouted technologies across industries, ranked them, interviewed experts and sourced samples from top providers.
The Client
The client is a global apparel, sporting goods and footwear company. Its materials innovation team wanted fresh aesthetics that survive repeated flexing.
The Challenge
Bold new looks.
Built to keep flexing.
Prescouter was asked to find materials, structures and methods that add new colors, pigments, translucence or iridescence to a TPU footwear component while keeping its flexibility and durability.
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Color
Pigments and effects
Translucence, iridescence and new colors.
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Durability
Built to flex
Surviving repeated bending over time.
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Scale
Mass-market ready
Balancing cost with strong adhesion.
Our Approach
Ranking 100+ options through an industry-agnostic scan.
Expert interviews
5SME interviews held
Fill the gaps
Experts and anonymous outreach to 19 companies completed the dataset where public data fell short.
Sample sourcing
8samples procured
Hold the results
We anonymously acquired and shipped samples showing the desired aesthetics from top providers.
The Outcome
No off-the-shelf fix, but clear pathways.
Prescouter characterized over 100 entries, held 5 expert interviews, contacted 19 companies and procured 8 samples. It confirmed no off-the-shelf solution exists and mapped pre-, in- and post-processing pathways, showing that partnering with TPU providers is the most plausible route.
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Pre-process
Particles in the TPU
Longer-term route to structural color.
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In-process
Treating the film surface
Near to mid-term route to strong adhesion.
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Post-process
Coatings and deposition
High throughput finishes on the final part.
When no off-the-shelf answer exists, the path forward runs through the supply chain. Working with material makers early can unlock looks that last.
Let’s Talk
What new look could set your product apart?
Explore the technologies and partners that can bring your design ideas to life. Wherever you’re starting from, we’ll help you get there.
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