Inventors' Networks and Counselling
There are a number of organisations that provide useful networking opportunities for inventors. Such networks can help inventors create and promote their ideas.
Similarly, counselling services exist to encourage inventors to persevere and make the best of their concepts.
European Union Women Inventors & Innovators Network
The European Union Women Inventors & Innovators Network (EUWIIN) creates opportunities for female innovators and inventors in Europe. It does this by promoting innovation and invention in business, in the workplace, at home and in schools, colleges and universities.EUWIIN aims to raise the self-confidence and aspirations of female innovators and inventors. It also works to improve experience and motivation.
Global Women Inventors & Innovators Network
The Global Women Inventors & Innovators Network (GWIIN) has links to EUWIIN. GWIIN’s purpose is to give resources, advice and mentoring to female innovators and inventors across the world.GWIIN achieves this in the UK partly through its events and awards programme. The awards in particular have sponsorship from companies such as BT, and government agencies such as the British Council and the Department of Trade and Industry.
Scottish Innovators Network
The Scottish Innovators Network (SIN) provides inventors in Scotland with a chance to discuss their ideas. SIN also gives useful help and advice.There are usually ten meetings a year. These are in Glasgow. Speakers give presentations on a range of subjects likely to interest Scottish inventors.
Innovators Counselling and Advisory Service for Scotland
The Innovators Counselling and Advisory Service for Scotland (ICASS) gives confidential and free advice to inventors. This advice relates to the development, safeguarding and commercial use of inventors’ ideas.Welsh Inventors & Innovators Network
The Welsh Inventors & Innovators Network (WIN) works in a similar fashion to SIN. There are regular meetings with talks from inventors, advisers and potential backers.Each meeting also provides Welsh inventors with an opportunity to receive confidential advice from experts in innovation and technology.
British Inventors Society
The British Inventors Society (BIS) began life in 2003. Its membership includes world-famous innovators, inventors, entrepreneurs and academics.Members believe that invention lies at the heart of technological advances and the creation of wealth. They organise the British Invention of the Year Award, the World Invention Awards, and events such as the British Invention Show. Membership is free.
English Regional Support
Various counties and geographical areas throughout England have network and counselling services for inventors. These often have the backing of government agencies and commercial bodies. The British Inventors Society has more details.Ideas21
Ideas21 aims to help inventors exploit their ideas in the commercial world. It provides one-to-one advice sessions around the country. These cover issues such as intellectual property rights and licensing.Other Ideas21 services include seminars, workshops and an online expert for advice and support. Ideas21 charges an annual subscription at four different levels. Membership of the first two levels is less than £50.
