By: Deborah Johnson Wood
In just one year since its launch, the web-based IdeaPortal created by InnovationWorks has posted 212 patent-protected innovations for possible commercialization. In addition, some products invented, manufactured and commercialized in West Michigan could harvest some $5 million in sales in the next year.
One of those products, Select-A-Flush, a dual flush toilet retrofit kit that aids in water conservation, is currently in production.
The IdeaPortal is a web portal that brings inventors, investors, manufacturers, attorneys, innovation coaches and others together in a virtual network for the purpose of commercializing innovative ideas, spurring economic development and creating jobs.
The IdeaPortal was developed by InnovationWorks as part of the $1 million seed grant from the WIRED (Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development) program for Ionia, Barry, Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, Newaygo and Allegan counties. WIRED’s $15 million funding from a federal grant ended on December 31.
Some 14 West Michigan jobs were created because of the IdeaPortal, and while that number isn’t going to save West Michigan’s economy, InnovationWorks’ Executive Director Jim Ross expects to see more jobs over the next year.
“The goal is to have 100 manufacturers on the IdeaPortal in the next year, 50 inventors, and 50 resource providers,” Ross says. “We usually think about job creation in terms of big companies, but if you look at the big companies like Amway and Steelcase, they all started with an idea.”
Next steps are for the IdeaPortal to become self-sustaining. As of February 1 the cost per member is $150; August 1 that increases to $300. Attorneys, prototypers, and other resource providers will pay $500 each.
“Right now the IdeaPortal is meeting some unmet needs,” Ross says, “particularly helping anybody with inventions and ideas no matter what stage they’re in. We can guide them to the next point.”
Source: Jim Ross, InnovationWorks, Right Place Inc.
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Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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