Regulation/Economic Driven Opportunities


Regulation Changes

Opportunity 1: Autogenerate FDA approved and updated food labels for small scale producers

Regulation Title: Food Labeling: Revision of the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels; Small Entity Compliance Guide; Availability
           
           Source: FDA-2012-N-1210-2177
           
Why might the opportunity exist: Small businesses may not have the funds and time to operate their own legal department which keeps up-to-date with the latest FDA regulations.

Prototypical Customer: Small scale producer/entity selling at a produce store, or interested in selling in a store.

Difficulty: The main barrier for entry is fully understanding the rules and regulations established by the FDA.  This would require a substantial amount of time reading and making phone calls.  Thus, the knowledge barrier is high.  But, the capital barrier is low.

Why did I notice the opportunity: A few years back, I had considered starting a small farm.  I had researched and witnessed other people’s experiences as small scale farmers and producers; their main focus is on perfecting the product.  Nutrition labeling can be a hassle, especially when the laws keep changing.  And that labeling is necessary if the producer wants to expand beyond the local, unregulated farmer’s market.


Opportunity 2: Production of Inexpensive Remote Identification Device for Hobbyist/Manufacturer
           
Regulation Title: Remote Identification of Unmanned Aircraft Systems

           Source: FAA-2019-1100-0001
           
Why might the opportunity exist: The FAA predicts that within 3 years, all unmanned aircraft system (UAS) will operate in conjunction with the remote identification requirements.

Prototypical Customer: Manufacturer or Hobbyist

Difficulty: Quite difficult.  Need deep understanding of the vast complexity of the Federal Aviation Association’s regulations regarding UAS.  A whole infrastructure of receivers, transponders, and data processors must be created

Why did I notice the opportunity: I own a drone which I built myself, however, this regulation would limit the locations I can fly it.  An additional remote identification device would increase the weight and decrease the efficiency of my aircraft


Economic

Opportunity 3: Recycle and replace Lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles
           
Trend: Increasing number of electric vehicles in production and a near “peak” in Lithium-ion battery R&D
           
Source: IBIS World
           
Why might the opportunity exist: The production and R&D of Lithium batteries, though continuing, have slowed.  This means the same composition Li-ion batteries, or similar ones, will be used for the near future making it fairly easy to recycle and combine Li-ion cells into larger batteries.  In addition, as the more electric vehicles are produced, the more cells will be prone to fail.  And thus the more vehicles in need of servicing.

Prototypical Customer: Owners of electric vehicles

Difficulty: Requires a lot of hours of research and testing methods for recycling batteries.  Fairly difficult to compete with the battery/automobile manufacturers if they are already implementing a battery replacement plan.

Why did I notice the opportunity: I’ve been fascinated by electric cars since I was a kid.  I have had time to think about some issues with electric vehicles and this is one of them.


Opportunity 4: Solar Panel manufacturing and installation

Trend: Forecasted increase in electrical power consumption for the next five years.  Steep tariffs on imported photovoltaic cells.

Source: IBIS World

Why might the opportunity exist: Increase in power consumption plus protective tariffs will bolster the domestic market for solar panels.

Prototypical Customer: Environmentally and financially conscious individuals/business owners seeking high quality US made products

Difficulty: Requires knowledge of solar cell production and techniques for manufacturing.  Additionally, sales and installation team required

Why did I notice the opportunity: My parents recently had solar panels installed at their home.  I noticed on the installation side, there could be a few ways to increase efficiency.  In regards to purchasing the cells themselves, quality, as well as cost, is of the utmost importance, especially as this is a long-term investment (break-even around 10-20 years depending on consumption).

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