You could probably easily do the model for consumer products if you would be able to figure out a test distribution mechanism, such as a partnership with a grocery store chain, or some such. Yeah, it would be something akin to the American Inventor show, but the key is to be able to do serious in-store or TV ad (informercial or 30 second) testing.

Here's how the Crest Spin Brush came to be: http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/aug2002/sb20020...