Why bother? These lean economic times may seem like the worst time to start trying to sell ideas--especially to investors. Not so, says Len Vernamonti of the Institute for Technology Development in Jackson, Miss. "Usually when times are the worst you can find the best opportunities," says Vernamonti. "[Investors] are looking for opportunities and they're willing to take more risks now because the safe stuff is paying so poorly. If you're inventive and have ideas, now's the time to pounce."
And, of course, the technology licensing folks at universities and companies are always pleased to help their faculty or employees develop an idea that might yield a profitable patent and product for both the institution and the inventor.
But before seeking evaluation of an idea, patent advice, or funding, inventive scientists must follow a few important guidelines as soon as the idea is born, says Scott Taper, licensing associate for ...
