Join in

Organizations and individuals joining a Catalyst commit to the collaborative nature of the teams where all members have a say in the direction and execution of project work. Organizations also agree to the rules of engagement where anyone working on the project is officially a contracted member of the Catalyst.

Catalyst projects bring together different types of member organizations, from large to small, old to new. On a Catalyst project team, all members are treated equally and have equal say. Everyone should be involved in the strategy, development and decisions made by the team.

The actual commitment required from a team member in a specific project varies and is unique to each project. Commitment is agreed upon by the project members and is documented in a Catalyst project charter. Depending whether your organization takes the role of a Champion or Participant there are specific responsibilities for each role.

In addition to fulfilling technical duties (definition, design, implementation and testing), team members are expected to be involved in the team marketing and showcase efforts and may be asked to support one of the key project roles (see Project Roles section below).

All team members must:

• Actively participate in the project and work collaboratively
• Attend project calls and meetings
• Promote the Catalyst project through their orginzation's marketing channels
• Attend showcase events

TM Forum uses Catalyst Master Service Agreements (MSA) and Statement of Work (SOWs) for the Catalyst Contracts process, streamlining the legal process for our members to join Catalyst projects.

Master Service Agreement (MSA)

• Organizations only need to sign an MSA once, the MSA is then applicable for all future Catalyst projects the organization joins
• Future participation in Catalyst projects will simply require signing an SOW for each project
• The MSA can be signed at any time, even if the member is not actively engaged in a Catalyst project
• Standard Catalyst contracts can still be used if the member is unable to sign the MSA

Statement of Work (SOWs)

• SOWs are sent for signature only if/when an MSA has been signed
• SOWs contain specific event and Catalyst project details and lists any applicable Participant fees
• SOWs are sent when that specific Catalyst project becomes ‘viable’ (see "The process" chart)
• A separate SOW must be signed for each Catalyst project the organization joins

Benefits of joining a Catalyst project include:

• Build your profile through networking on TM Forum’s dedicated Catalyst project webpage
• Spotlight your work through TM Forum’s marketing campaigns before, during and after the event
• Amplify your story with a showcase video and bespoke marketing toolkit
• Promote your solution to industry peers at TM Forum events
• Boost your profile with a branded Catalyst project showcase stand at TM Forum events
• Gain industry recognition with a chance to win a prestigious Catalyst Team Award

Marketing

• Creation of 1 promotional video
• Article about the project published on Inform
• Email and newsletter exposure
• Logo and company exposure at TM Forum events
• TM Forum social media posts pre-& post event, published and promoted via TM Forum channels

Moonshot exclusive

• Project overview infographic

Assets

• Interactive Catalyst project webpage on tmforum.org
• Lead generation data from project followers
• Eligibility for Open Innovation Catalyst Awards
• Support from subject matter experts
• Self-promotion marketing toolkit

Moonshot exclusive:

• Access to an Executive Coach to mentor and offer feedback and inputs to the team
• Eligibility for Moonshot Catalyst Awards

At event

• Branded Catalyst project stand in dedicated Catalyst zone for teams to run demos and capture leads
• Presentation on Catalyst Innovation Arena stage
• On-site TM Forum support
• Two complimentary registration All ACCESS+ passes plus 25% discount on additional All ACCESS+ passes
• Meet senior executive attendees
• Social activities including food and beverages to meet and network with participants

Moonshot exclusive:

• Panel discussion on the main DTW agenda (the team will select one Champion representative per team)

Organizations can have two distinct roles within a Catalyst:

Champion (CSP/vertical industry)

• Define the challenge and validate the commercial significance to the industry
• Contribute to the requirements definition of the proposed solution
• Inspire and curate the development of proposed solutions
• Provide feedback on proposed solutions
• Be the backer and business sponsor for the team
• Minimum 2 Champions per project. CSPs / Vertical industries only – No participation fee

Participants (solution providers)

• Develop the solution and design and deliver a proof-of-concept demonstration
• Define and lead project plans and timelines
• Explore and develop the solution and design and deliver a proof-of-concept demonstration
• Leverage current industry knowledge and assets within your solution
• Document your learnings and contribute these back to the industry
• Minimum of 3 paying Participants per project – participation fee required (See fee scale).

Key Milestones

• 16th October 2023 - DTW24 Call for Catalyst opens and Matchmaking/team building begins

• 8th December 2023 - DTW24 Call for Catalyst closes

• 16th February 2024- Catalyst project to become viable / confirm a minimum of 2 Champion & 3 paying Participant companies

• 8th March 2024 - Final date for companies to join project teams

• 29th March 2024 - Catalyst contracts (SOWs) signed