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3 milestones
Map the R&D Portfolio and Classify Projects
2–3 weeks (3–4 hrs/week)
Select or design an R&D portfolio — a set of ≥6 projects spanning multiple stages (concept, development, testing, scale-up) and risk levels. Document each project's technology readiness level (TRL), estimated cost to completion, expected revenue or strategic value, probability of technical success, and time to market. Classify projects using the three-bucket model: incremental (low risk, near-term), platform (medium risk, mid-term), and breakthrough (high risk, long-term). A portfolio with no breakthrough projects lacks growth optionality; one with no incremental projects lacks near-term revenue.
Proof required
Submit your portfolio map: a table of ≥6 projects with TRL, cost to completion, expected value, probability of technical success, time to market, and three-bucket classification, plus a short rationale (≥100 words) for each project's classification.
What gets checked
Common mistakes
Powstik Guide
A portfolio map of six or more R&D projects.
Steps
Template
| Project | TRL | Cost to complete | Value | P(success) | Type | |---------|-----|------------------|-------|------------|------|
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Score, Prioritise, and Optimise Portfolio Mix
2–3 weeks (3–4 hrs/week)
Apply a portfolio scoring model to rank the ≥6 projects. Use an expected commercial value (ECV) model: ECV = (revenue × probability of commercial success) − (development cost × probability of technical success) − (launch cost). Alternatively, use a scoring matrix with weighted criteria (strategic fit, market attractiveness, competitive advantage, probability of success, NPV). Identify which projects to accelerate, maintain, and kill or defer. An optimised portfolio maximises expected value within the R&D budget constraint.
Proof required
Submit your portfolio scoring model (spreadsheet or table): ECV or weighted scoring matrix for all ≥6 projects, ranked output, and a portfolio recommendation stating which 2–3 projects to prioritise and which to kill or defer.
What gets checked
Common mistakes
Powstik Guide
A scored, ranked R&D portfolio with a recommended mix.
Steps
Template
| Project | Value | P(tech) | P(commercial) | Cost | ECV | Rank | |---------|-------|---------|---------------|------|-----|------| Fund: Hold: Stop: Why this mix:
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Write the Portfolio Analysis Report and Present Recommendations
2–3 weeks (2–3 hrs/week)
Write a complete R&D portfolio analysis report (2,000–3,000 words plus tables) covering: portfolio map, three-bucket classification rationale, scoring model and results, recommended portfolio mix, resource allocation implications, and risk of the recommended portfolio. Present recommendations to a reviewer with R&D management, technology strategy, or engineering management experience and respond to challenge questions about the scoring assumptions and the kill/defer decisions.
Proof required
Submit your R&D portfolio analysis report (2,000–3,000 words plus tables) and review record: reviewer name, role, ≥3 challenge questions about scoring assumptions or portfolio decisions, and your responses.
What gets checked
Common mistakes
Powstik Guide
A 2,000–3,000 word portfolio analysis report and a technical review record.
Steps
Template
Word count (2,000–3,000): Assumptions: Reviewer: Role: Date: | Challenge | My answer | Change made | |-----------|-----------|-------------|
What gets sent back
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
You'll sign in first, then come straight back here.
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