For a nominal fee, innovation assessment centers will confidentially evaluate an invention or technological innovation and provide valuable feedback. It's smarter to spend a few hundred bucks up front than thousands too late. Several of the services give you a numerical score on thirty-some issues, which gives an indication - though no guarantee - of viability in the market place.
Information about the following assessment centers can be found on their web sites:
- Washington State Innovation Assessment Center: This is a program of Washington State University's College of Business. They offer a helpful package to new inventors. The IAC conducts market research, feasibility analysis, patent searches and consultation by industry experts. They help new businesspeople decide if they should make additional investments in their idea, make changes in the product to improve marketability or invest in a different idea.
- Wisconsin Innovation Service Center: a program of the University of Wisconsin (Whitewater), WI SBDC, and the SBA. Some recommend this center where significant manufacturing is involved. Will assist with patent searches, market research and competitor research as well as technical feasibility. Costs more than Washington.
- Innovation Institute: The Innovation Institute, in cooperation with Southwest Missouri State University, will evaluate consumer products and encourage products "Made in the USA".
- National Technology Transfer Center: The NTTC will perform in-depth assessments for both private and public clients. NTTC also offers courses in technology assessment.
- Patent Café: Several private assessment centers are listed on this web site.