Product Development Group
IDEA' s & INVENTION STRATEGIES IN MOTION
Issues - Strategies - Solutions - Resources
RESOURCES
GATEWAY
Invention Organizations
Invention organizations include those focused on inventors' rights and recognition, like the National Inventors Hall of Fame and National Academy of Inventors. Other organizations provide services to help inventors bring ideas to market, such as InventHelp and InventionHome, while companies like Intellectual Ventures specialize in the business of invention.
Organizations for Inventors
These organizations support inventors through education, recognition, and by providing a platform for innovation:
National Inventors Hall of Fame: Recognizes inventors for their significant contributions to science and technology.
National Academy of Inventors: An organization for inventors to share knowledge and promote innovation.
National Science & Technology Medals Foundation: Focuses on awarding medals to those who have made significant advancements in science and technology.
Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPOA): A trade association for owners of intellectual property, focusing on intellectual property rights, law, and practice.
Intellectual Property Owners Educational Foundation (IPOEF): Supports education in intellectual property.
Organizations for Helping to Bring Inventions to Market
These groups offer various services to assist inventors with the process of developing and commercializing their inventions:
InventHelp: Offers services and resources to help inventors bring their ideas to market.
InventionHome: Provides services to help inventors get their ideas to market.
Intellectual Ventures: A global entity focused on creating, incubating, and commercializing innovative ideas.
Invention Assistant: Specializes in turning inventions into tangible products through prototyping and manufacturing services.
Inventor Process Inc.: Assists inventors in bringing their ideas to market through a direct submission program.
Companies That Buy or License Invention Ideas
Some companies are actively looking for new invention ideas to license or purchase:
New Soda: A company that creates kitchen gadgets and accepts new product ideas from the public.
Invention City: Accepts ideas for new products across various categories.
Idea Buyer: A company focused on acquiring new invention ideas.
Inventors Associations Across America
Alabama
The Inventors and Entrepreneurs Association at Auburn University
Contact: Joe Craig
Email: jtc0056@tigermail.auburn.edu
Arizona
Inventors Association of Arizona – Phoenix
Email: exdir@aziventors.org
Tucson Inventor Group
www.meetup.com/tucsoninventorgroup
Contact: Lucas Boring – President
Email: tucsoninventorgroup@gmail.com
Arkansas
Arkansas Inventors’ Network – Little Rock
www.arkansasinvents.org
Contact: (501) 247-6125
Email: info@arkansasinvents.org
California
Inventors Forum – Orange County
www.inventorsforum.org
Contact: Mark Schnose – President
Email: info@inventorsforum.org
Inventors Forum – San Diego
www.sdinventors.org
Contact: Adrian Pelkus – President
Email: adrian.pelkus@sdinventors.org
Invention Accelerator Workshop
www.meetup.com/Invention-Accelerator-
Workshop-San-Diego-Meetup
Contact: Greg Lauren-Wawrzyniak
Email: sdinventor@gmail.com
Colorado
Rocky Mountain Inventors Association
www.rminventor.org
Contact: Bonnie Griffin Kaake, President
Email: info@rminventor.org
Connecticut
Inventors Association of Connecticut
Contact: Doug Lyon
Phone: (203) 254-4000 x3155
D.C. – District of Columbia
Inventors Network of the Capital Area
Contact: Kris Paul – President
Email: www.dcinventors.org/contact-us/
Florida
Tampa Bay Inventors’ Council
Contact: Wayne Rasanen – President
Email: goodharbinger@yahoo.com
Inventors Society of South Florida – Delray Beach
Contact: Leo Mazur – President
Email: mazurelectric@earthlink.net
Inventors Council of Central Florida – Orlando
Contact: David Woods
Email: webmaster@inventCF.com
Ian Alexandre – President
Dr. David E Flinchbaugh – Founder
North Florida Inventors Group
Contact: Bob Hawkinson – President
Email: Bob@inventor.guru
Edison Innovators Association – Fort Myers
Contact: Matt Stieg – President
Email: info@EIA2015.org
Georgia
The Columbus Phenix City Inventors Association
Contact: Mike Turner – President
Email: info@cpcinventorsassociation.org
Southeastern Inventors Association – Marietta
Contact: Terry Sullivan – President
Email: www.southeasterninventors.org/contact/
Illinois
Chicago Inventors Organization
Contact: Calvin Flowers – President
Email: chicago.inventors.organization@gmail.com
Illinois Innovators & Inventors
Email: inventorclub@yahoo.com
Indiana
Fort Wayne Inventors Club
Contact: David Gross – President
Email: dgross@collisioncontrol.net
Indiana Inventors Association
Iowa
Iowa Inventors Group – Cedar Rapids
Contact: Frank Morosky – President
Email: info@iowainventorsgroup.org
Kansas
Inventor Center of Kansas City
Contact: Sean Murphy – CEO
Inventors Association of South-Central Kansas – Wichita
www.inventkansas.com
Contact: Gary Stecklein – President
Email: gary.stecklein@yahoo.com
Kentucky
Inventors Network Kentucky – Lexington
kyinventors.org
Contact: Don Skaggs – President
Email: donskaggs@kyinventors.org
Massachusetts
Inventors Association of New England
Lexington & Cambridge
www.inventne.com
Contact: Bob Hasslein – President
Email: rhausslein@rcn.com
Michigan
Michigan Inventors Coalition
Grand Rapids, Jackson, Lansing,
Muskegon, Southfield, Statewide
www.michiganinventorscoalition.org
Contact: Joe Finkler – President
Email: ontvgrin@gmail.com
Jackson Inventors Network – JIN
https://jacksoninventors.org
Email: roty1@sbcglobal.net
Contact: Jon Roty – President
Inventors Council of Mid-Michigan – Burton
www.inventorscouncil.org
Contact: Marty Sovis – President
Email: ICMM@inventorscouncil.org
Inventors Council of Mid-Michigan – Flushing
www.inventorscouncil.org
Contact: Mike Ball – President
Email: ICMM@inventorscouncil.org
Minnesota
Inventors’ Network – Minneapolis/St. Paul
www.inventorsnetwork.org
Contact: Steve Lyon – President
Email: lyonexpress@aol.com
Mississippi
Mississippi SBDC Inventor Assistance
clients.mssbdc.org/DocumentMaster.aspx?doc=1004
Contact: msbdc@olemiss.edu
Phone: (662) 915-5001
Missouri
Inventors Center of Kansas City
whttps://inventorscenterofkansascity.org/
Contact: John Meyer – President
Email: inventorsclubkc@gmail.com
Phone: 816-454-9954
Inventors Association of St. Louis (IASL)
www.inventstl.org
Contact: info@InventSTL.org
Phone: 913.322.1895
Southwest Missouri Inventors Network – Springfield
Contact: Jan Healzer
Email: janhealzer@yahoo.com
Phone: (417) 827-4498
Nevada
Nevada Inventors Association – Reno
www.nevadainventors.org
Contact: Mike Spray – Past Vice President
Email: info@nevadainventors.org
Vegas Inventors
www.meetup.com/VegasInventors
Contact: Daniel Braisted
Email: danielb702@aol.com
New Jersey
National Society of Inventors – Roselle Park
www.nationalinventors.com
Contact: Stephen Shaw
New York
The Inventors Association of Manhattan (IAM)
www.manhattan-inventors.org
Email: manhattan.inventors@gmail.com
Inventors & Entrepreneurs of Suffolk County
www.meetup.com/iesuffolk
Contact: Brian Fried
Email: brianfried@gmail.com
North Carolina
Inventors’ Network of the Carolinas
www.inotc.org
Contact: zliftona@aol.com
Ohio
Canton/Dayton Inventors Association
groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/inventors_council/info
Email: inventors_council-owner@yahoogroups.com
Contact: 330.499.1262
Inventors Council of Cincinnati
www.inventcincy.org
Email: inventors_council-owner@yahoogroups.com
Contact: Jackie Diaz – Founder
Phone: 513.898.2110
Inventors Network (Columbus)
http://www.inventorscolumbus.com
Contact: 614.470.0144
Youngstown – Warren Inventors Association
www.3dvirtualmall.com/invwell.htm
Contact: Frank Naypaver
Email: frank.naypaver@3dvirtualmall.com
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Inventors Congress
www.oklahomainventors.com
Contact: By Chapter
Oregon
South Coast Inventors Group – North Bend
www.southcoastinventors.org
Contact: James Innes
Email: jamesinnes@gmail.com
Pennsylvania
The American Society of Inventors
www.americansocietyofinventors.com
Contact: Jeffrey Dobkin
Email: jeff@dobkin.com
Pittsburgh East Inventors Club
inventionburgh.wordpress.com
Contact: coinventors@gmail.com
Phone: 412-527-6921
Williamsport Inventor’s Club
www.imcpa.com/williamsportlycoming-keystone-innovation-zone/williamsport-inventors-club
Contact: info@wlkiz.com
Phone: 570-329-3200
Tennessee
Tennessee Inventors Association – Knoxville
www.tninventors.org
Contact: Keith Waters
Email: web@knoxpatents.com
Texas
Amarillo Inventors Association
www.amarilloinventors.org
Contact: (806) 367-8610
Email: info@amarilloinventors.org
Austin Inventors and Entrepreneurs Association
www.meetup.com/Austin-Inventors-and-Entrepreneurs
Contact: Ata Etemadi – President
Houston Inventors Association
www.inventors.org
Contact: Ken Roddy – President
Email: ken@patentstuff.com
Texas Inventors Association – Plano
www.txinventors.com
Contact: wisepatents@yahoo.com
Alamo Inventors – San Antonio
www.alamoinventors.org
Contact: George Burkhardt – President
Email: invent@alamoinventors.org
Utah
Utah Inventor Entrepreneurs – Salt Lake City
www.meetup.com/utahinventorentrepreneurs
Virginia
Virginia Innovators Network – Richmond
www.vainnovators.org
Contact: info@vainnovators.org
Wisconsin
Juneau County Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club
www.juneaucounty.com/ie-club.html
Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club of Kenosha & Racine c/o Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce
www.meetup.com/Inventors-Entrepreneurs-Club-of-Kenosha-Racine
Contact: info@kenoshaareachamber.com
Invention Organizations
Key invention organizations include:
United Inventors Association (UIA): which provides resources and connects inventors with service providers.
National Academy of Inventors (NAI): Promotes inventors and innovation through its network of academic institutions.
International Federation of Inventors' Associations (IFIA): A global body representing inventors' associations worldwide.
Local support, inventor-focused maker spaces can offer tools, machinery, and collaborative environments.
General Inventor Support Organizations
United Inventors Association (UIA): A large nonprofit organization that educates inventors and provides access to trusted service providers and resources.
National Academy of Inventors (NAI): A member organization for U.S. and international universities, governmental agencies, and research institutes that promotes invention and innovation.
International Federation of Inventors' Associations (IFIA): A global organization that serves as a voice for inventors on the international stage.
Organizations Recognizing & Promoting Inventors
National Inventors Hall of Fame: An organization dedicated to recognizing and honoring American inventors.
National Science & Technology Medals Foundation: Supports awards and programs that inspire innovation and achievement in science and technology, as noted by GW Institute of Public Policy.
Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation: An organization that supports young innovators in their pursuit of scientific and technological advancements, according to GW Institute of Public Policy.
Local & Collaborative Resources
Maker Spaces: Local collaborative work environments offering access to tools, machinery, and a community of makers to support invention.
Inventor Networks: Local groups and chapters of national organizations that host workshops and events, providing networking opportunities and practical resources.
Inventor Group News!
invention organizations
This list of invention organizations includes international federations, national associations, and government agencies that offer education, resources, and advocacy for inventors. These groups can assist with intellectual property, funding, and networking.
International organizations
International Federation of Inventors' Associations (IFIA): A global non-governmental organization that supports inventors in more than 100 countries. It organizes international invention exhibitions and works with partners like the UN and WIPO.
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO): A specialized agency of the United Nations that provides resources for protecting intellectual property. It runs the WIPO Academy, which offers training and capacity-building, particularly for inventors in developing nations.
European Federation of Inventors' Associations: Founded in 1990, this organization aims to assist inventors in European countries.
U.S. national organizations
United Inventors Association (UIA): A nonprofit organization that provides free resources, education, and advocacy to inventors and entrepreneurs. It is one of the largest inventor support organizations in the U.S. and maintains a list of local inventor clubs.
National Academy of Inventors (NAI): A member organization of U.S. and international universities, government agencies, and non-profit research institutes. It offers programs to recognize and mentor academic inventors.
Inventors Groups of America (IGA): Formed to give inventors and inventor groups a unified voice on issues like patent reform. It provides education and resources for commercializing inventions.
American Society of Inventors (ASI): A non-profit organization that has educated inventors on protecting, developing, and marketing their inventions since 1953.
National Inventors Hall of Fame (NIHF): In addition to its museum, the NIHF supports inventors through educational programs, events, and networking opportunities.
U.S. government resources
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO): The federal agency that issues patents and trademarks. It offers extensive educational materials and hosts conferences and events for inventors and entrepreneurs.
Inventors Assistance Center (IAC): A division of the USPTO that provides assistance and information to the public regarding patent application policies and procedures.
Small Business Administration (SBA): Helps small business owners, including inventors, with resources for funding, writing business plans, and finding mentorship.
Grants.gov: The central hub for federal grant opportunities, which can provide funding for innovative projects.
Regional and local groups
Many local inventor associations operate across the U.S. and can be a valuable resource for networking and sharing experiences with fellow innovators. Examples include:
Chicago Inventors Organization
Inventors' Association of Metropolitan Detroit
Houston Inventors Association
Inventors' Network–Minneapolis/St. Paul
Tampa Bay Inventors' Council
government programs that help independent inventors with funding or grants
the U.S. government offers programs that provide funding and grants for independent inventors, although most are structured to support small businesses rather than individuals. The most significant programs are the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) initiatives.
SBIR and STTR programs
Known as America's Seed Fund, these programs are a major source of early-stage, non-dilutive funding for research and development (R&D). "Non-dilutive" means the government does not take an equity stake in your company.
To qualify for SBIR/STTR funding, you must:
Be a small business with fewer than 500 employees.
Have an R&D focus and not be repackaging older technology.
Be majority-owned by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Commercialize your technological innovations.
How the programs work:
Phase I: Focuses on proving the feasibility of your concept, with awards typically up to $225,000.
Phase II: Supports the principal R&D effort and prototype development, with awards potentially reaching $1.5 million.
STTR vs. SBIR: The STTR program requires formal collaboration with a non-profit U.S. research institution, such as a university.
Federal agencies that provide SBIR/STTR grants
Many federal departments and agencies offer SBIR/STTR grants for inventions that align with their specific mission or needs.
Department of Defense (DOD): Funds technologies related to defense and national security.
National Institutes of Health (NIH): Supports medical and health-related technologies.
National Science Foundation (NSF): Funds a wide range of science and technology with commercial and societal impact.
Department of Energy (DOE): Invests in innovative energy technologies.
NASA: Funds technologies for the advancement of space exploration and other NASA missions.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Funds environmental technology innovations.
How to get started
Check eligibility: Ensure your project is a fit for a specific agency's mission and that you meet the criteria for a small business.
Submit a Project Pitch: For agencies like the NSF, you may start by submitting a Project Pitch at any time to see if your idea is a good fit.
Use Grants.gov: This is the central database for all federal grants and can help you find opportunities that fit your invention.
Visit SBIR.gov: The official SBIR/STTR website provides detailed information on all participating agencies, open funding topics, and application procedures.
state programs for independent inventors
many state and local governments offer programs for independent inventors and small businesses, although direct grant funding for individuals is less common than resources that support the commercialization process. Many of these programs are implemented through partnerships with the federal Small Business Administration (SBA), state-run agencies, and non-profits.
State-sponsored funding and support programs
Florida High Tech Corridor
This initiative connects small high-tech businesses with research universities to foster innovation. It offers support for businesses seeking federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards, including matching grants for eligible participants.
State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
Funded in part by the SBA, Florida’s STEP program provides financial assistance to help small businesses expand into international markets. This can help inventors with the costs of exporting and marketing their products globally.
State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)
This federal program distributes funding to states, which can use the capital for their own initiatives that increase access to capital for small businesses. Details on how a state's SSBCI program works are available through its Department of Commerce.
Local and university-based programs
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs): The Florida SBDC network offers no-cost business consulting, training, and resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs. This includes assistance with business planning, market research, and identifying funding.
Florida Manufacturing Extension Partnership (FLMEP): This non-profit helps manufacturers improve productivity and adopt new technologies, which can be beneficial for inventors developing physical products.
Regional programs: Organizations like the Florida High Tech Corridor focus on specific high-tech sectors and provide funding and networking opportunities.
University innovation centers: Institutions like Florida International University (FIU) and Florida State University (FSU) have centers that offer resources, research access, and startup support to the local entrepreneurial community.
Free legal assistance for patents
Patent Pro Bono Program
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) sponsors a nationwide network of independently operated regional programs that offer free legal assistance to financially under-resourced inventors.
Eligibility: To qualify, independent inventors in Florida must meet certain income thresholds and complete the USPTO's free online patent education course.
Program operation: In Florida, the Patent Pro Bono program is administered in the south by the Arts & Business Council of Miami in partnership with Dade Legal Aid. The Florida Institute also works with the USPTO to provide patent assistance throughout the state.
Benefits: This service matches qualifying inventors with volunteer patent attorneys to assist with the patent application process.
other resources are available for inventors besides funding
Independent inventors in Florida and beyond have access to a wide array of resources beyond funding, including intellectual property assistance, prototyping facilities, business consulting, and networking opportunities.
Legal and intellectual property
Patent Pro Bono Program: This nationwide program, sponsored by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), offers free legal assistance to financially under-resourced inventors.
In South Florida, the program is run by the Arts & Business Council of Miami and Dade Legal Aid.
The Florida Institute collaborates with the USPTO to offer this service statewide.
Law School Clinic Certification Program: Through this program, participating law schools, such as those at Florida International University and the University of Miami, may offer free or low-cost intellectual property legal services to inventors. Services are provided by students under the supervision of experienced faculty.
USPTO Assistance: The USPTO's Pro Se Assistance Center and Inventors Assistance Center offer information and education to inventors who file patent applications without legal representation. They can answer questions about policy, procedure, and forms.
Prototyping and development
Makerspaces and Fab Labs: Many communities and university campuses offer makerspaces with equipment like 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines for creating prototypes. For example, the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention in Gainesville has a Fab Lab for experimentation.
University-based programs: The Florida Institute partners with universities like Florida International University and Florida State University to help inventors move ideas to the private sector. The University of South Florida (USF) has an extensive Innovation Enterprise, with incubators and accelerators to support developing businesses.
Business and marketing assistance
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs): The Florida SBDC network offers no-cost business consulting, training, and strategic planning for entrepreneurs. This includes assistance with market research, writing business plans, and commercialization strategies.
Market research tools: The Florida SBDC provides businesses with market and industry research services to help analyze product demand and develop competitive strategies.
Licensing resources: The Florida Institute and Florida State University have programs that help with licensing, which can be a path for inventors who prefer to let another company handle manufacturing and marketing.
Networking and education
Inventor associations: Joining a local organization offers educational resources and a community of peers.
Inventors Council of Central Florida (ICCF): A volunteer organization that hosts monthly meetings and operates under a non-disclosure agreement to protect members' ideas.
Inventors Society of South Florida (ISSF): This non-profit hosts webinars with experts on various aspects of inventing.
USPTO events: The USPTO hosts many free online educational events for independent inventors, including workshops on patent application training and intellectual property basics.
Florida Inventors Hall of Fame: A statewide initiative that honors and celebrates Florida's inventors and sponsors outreach programs to inspire future innovators.
Double click here to add text.
