Help, Advice & Support

Strage Innovation Awards

There are no restrictions as to the sources of advice individuals or teams may use in preparing their entries. Applicants should maintain a journal that includes a comprehensive list of advisors who have been actively involved, along with the thought processes employed in the development of the idea.

Throughout the academic year, several opportunities will be available to attend helpful workshops, seminars, and clinics.

Sources of Help

In addition to external individuals who might provide advice, applicants are advised to examine other possible sources.

Books: There is a vast collection of books on all aspects of innovation. There is also a collection of "how to" books available on specific aspects.

Internet: Search for sites dealing with both the process of developing a plan, structure and other guidelines. In addition, specific searches should provide or direct you to sources of market size, competition, trends, industry standards, major problem areas etc. A current search on Google for the term innovation identified over 12 million Web sites.

Journals: Various publications publish articles dealing with innovation in specific industries and sectors. See for example, The Innovation Journal, the public sector journal of innovation.

Organizations: Check out inventors' organizations, product development organizations, S.C.O.R.E., and our own WPI Venture Forum. Networking at events where entrepreneurs, inventors, and innovators congregate will also prove helpful.

Workshops, Seminars & Clinics

During the academic year, a range of activities that might be helpful to those planning to make submissions will be available both on and off campus. Please check the Workshops and Seminars listed throughout the year on the Collaborative for Entrepreneurship & Innovation Web site.

Depending on the amount of interest shown, additional informal workshops or discussion groups may be scheduled.

The Innovation Award Web site will keep participants informed of related activities and frequently asked questions.

Participants will be responsible for carrying out any market research to support their proposal. Extensive use of Internet information on industry, market and consumer related data is highly encouraged.