Innovation Success Story

Ridgetop Group, Inc. Takes its Technology on the Road

Tucson-based Ridgetop Group, Inc., an engineering, research and development company, specializes in electronic prognostics technology for critical systems. Their built-in self-tests estimate the remaining useful life of components so that they can be replaced or repaired before they malfunction. For their work with military applications, this is crucial as Ridgetop develops the technology for warning devices that alert fighter pilots of potential equipment failures.

Ridgetop knew their technology could be useful in other avenues, but were not sure how to proceed. The company learned that the Northern Arizona Council of Governments was partnering with the Arizona Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Arizona MEP) to administer a US Department of Labor H-1B grant to help companies strengthen its technology skills and secure the knowledge needed to expand its technology into other markets.

The Arizona MEP brought in other experts from the Time Wise Management Systems (TWMS) to assist them in developing a strategic business plan and help with marketing and commercialization. Through this initiative, Ridgetop was able to determine the automotive industry was the most viable commercial sector for them to transition to.

“Our technology has a number of safety applications for cars, like predicting degradation of anti-lock breaking systems and electronically alerting the driver or their mechanic of a potential problem,” said Doug Goodman, president and CEO of Ridgetop Group, Inc. “Thanks to the project team, we are now working with a major auto manufacturer on ways to implement our technology into their vehicles. With their assistance and the support of the H-1B grant, we would be months or years away from where we are now and wouldn’t have tapped into what is a very promising growth opportunity for our company.”