Innovator Assistance

The Innovator Assistance Pilot Program

Independent inventors are the creative individuals who have, through huge effort and personal expense, developed new products without the assistance of major corporations, universities, military bases, or other large institutions.  They have literally worked away the hours in their basement or garage to develop a great new idea, but need some help and guidance to take the next step and bring their invention to market.

EI² was asked to look for ways to assist these individuals.  The pilot project was divided into two separate, but complementary sections:

(1)     Understanding the Need

(2)     Addressing the Need

Understanding the Need

First, information was gathered through one of the largest surveys of independent inventors ever conducted.  The data collected from this survey profiled the state’s independent inventors, what they were creating, and the type of assistance they needed, and it also identified elements that helped lead to success.

Second, other inventor-support organizations around the country were surveyed to learn from their experience.

Addressing the Need

More than 300 surveys from independent inventors throughout Georgia reflected inventors’ need for more education on various topics pertaining to the invention and commercialization process.  To meet this need, EI² developed a series of 16 educational workshops designed to educate and inspire the state’s independent inventor community.

Experts in the field of patents, licensing, financing, marketing, and entrepreneurship spoke to hundreds of inventors across the state.  Economic development groups, from Savannah to Gainesville and Columbus to Valdosta, partnered with EI² and leveraged their own entrepreneurial-support programs to reach as many independent inventors as possible in their regions.

Now What?

Through research and action, EI² can now advise communities and economic development partners on the best practices of working with and supporting independent inventors.

For more information on our Pilot Programs, please contact Jason Chernock.