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Tech Commericalization

"Small businesses are responsible for more than half of innovations developed during the 20th Century, including insulin, the pacemaker, the helicopter, and the personal computer."

So…What is Technology Commercialization? Technology Commercialization is the process of transforming an inventor’s innovative technology into a commercial product or service for which there is demand. Taking a technology from concept to market requires skills, resources, and like any business endeavor, an element of luck. It is critical that you are informed about your technology, your market and your prospective customers. Access to the right resources is invaluable to your progress. These pages are intended to provide information to help you meet those objectives. Be sure to explore the Maine SBTDC recommendations, resources and FAQ’s. And remember specialized business counseling is available for companies, which are in the midst of the technology commercialization process, at the Maine SBTDC.

Tech Commericalization FAQs

I have an invention; do I need to patent it?

(Go to www.mainepatent.org and see when the next Patent Seminar is offered; there is also an inventor forum sponsored by the Maine SBDC in Orono and another in Portland, every month. Both the program and the Forum will give you an idea of whether you can or should file a patent.)

How do I raise money for my company?

(There are many resources available within the state to guide you in raising funds; start with the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME), which publishes an excellent guide to capital resources. There are several seminars available through the Maine SBDC, Maine Technology Institute (www.mainetechnology.org), Maine Angels (www.maineangels.org), MIX Forum (www.mixforum.org) and FAME (www.famemaine.com), as well as venture investor groups, that will explain the process.)

I've spent the last four years developing my product; now I'm out of money. How can you help?

(Talk with a Maine SBDC business counselor about conserving whatever funds you have left; work with the counselor to develop a plan to identify an appropriate market for your product, and the best means to access that market.)

How do I get MTI money?

(The Maine Technology Institute's (www.mainetechnology.org) funds are accessed through a competitive proposal process. The Request For Proposal (RFP) documents are available on the MTI web site, along with directions on how to apply. In addition, MTI Program Managers are happy to answer any questions you may have about the process and appropriateness of your technology.)