Although only three months old, IP Net, the world's first free-to-all technology marketing system has made a very strong start, with over 25 universities and 50 multinationals already subscribed. Led by The University of Manchester Intellectual Property Limited (UMIP), IP Net brings together technology providers and seekers internationally. www.theintellectualproperty.net enables users for the first time to directly market new technologies using a new and very simple marketing format. It is supported by industry sponsors including BAE Systems and Unilever.
As well as a free tool for marketing technology, the IP Net platform allows technology seekers to advertise for technologies that they are looking for. The system offers users tailored feeds of quality technology email alerts in a very succinct format, allowing people to review a large number of technology innovations very quickly.
Commenting on the creation of IP Net, UMIP's Head of Market Development Mark Thompson said: "The feedback we have had from users has been excellent, as the whole system is designed to be extremely simple and easy to use, and it delivers high quality information in a very digestible format. Although take-up by large technology companies has been very strong, this is also the first system which is particularly suitable for SMEs to use to either market their technology or seek out innovations. It is as easy to use as as Ebay but is of course free!"
BAE Systems' Director for Technology and Engineering Services James Baker said: "The ability to engage with and access the innovation and know-how within the academic and SME communities is key to enabling BAE Systems to deliver world-leading capability to the armed forces. The approach piloted by UMIP provided us with easy, timely access to available technologies from many universities. We are delighted to support the latest developments which will allow the service to be scaled-up and also enable effective and efficient communication of our technology needs, supporting BAE Systems' continued engagement with innovative companies and academia."
He continues: "Any technology professional in any country can use the system and, as there are no costs and no intermediaries taking a percentage, it removes all barriers. Once they have registeredusers simply upload their information using a web form in straight forward industry language. More importantly, this makes all the data easy and interesting to browse. Once a user identifies a potential match the two parties can directly contact each other."
"The system is also being promoted in Taiwan and China and is seen as a powerful future East-West gateway for technology."