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Case Study

Optima Environnement S.A.: Turning a wonder tree into an eco-business

By Jean-Philippe Deschamps, Benoit F. Leleux and Atul Pahwa

17 pages

May 2004

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Reference: IMD-3-1433

Optima Environnement S.A., a biotech startup in Switzerland, has developed a environmentally safe alternative to chemicals used in the water treatment industry using a plant based extract. Subsequent research has led to discoveries of proteins with medicinal properties and an oil extract with several cosmetics applications. With limited resources and promising opportunities in multiple industries, the company must attempt to break into markets where it has no prior experience and generate a revenue stream to keep it afloat through the complex sales cycle in introducing (potentially) disruptive technologies in existing industries. The case study discusses elements of entrepreneurship, business strategy, and new product development within mature industries as well as the importance of developing strategic alliances to enter new markets.

Keywords

Water Treatment, Environment, Oil

Settings

December 2003

Type

Field Research

Available Languages

English

Related material

Teaching note, Video

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2006 EFMD AWARD WINNER (Business for Biodiversity)

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