WSIAS is hosted by Penrith Valley Economic Development Corporation (PVEDC) and funded by the New South Wales Department of State & Regional Development.

The facilitators, the partners of Innovation Connections, Bob Jeal and Roger Johnston, are supported by PVEDC, appointments are arranged through 02 4731 5711.

First interviews are FREE and CONFIDENTIAL, a range of follow on services is available to move ideas, concepts and products forward.                 

Interviews can be held in person in Penrith or Parramatta, we can also telephone interview. Visits include companies to assess capability, universities to view testing, suppliers to discuss manufacture and designers to discuss functionality.        

We help people commercialise their ideas, concepts, solutions and we advise in the specific areas of

                                       
* Product assessment
* Intellectual Property Protection                   
* Product Development
* Commercialisation
* Marketing
* Creating a business

As facilitators our depth of experience covers low and high technology products, small and large companies, domestic and international operations, there are few areas where we do not have industry knowledge.     

Initial interviews are free and confidential, the second stage is an assessment that can be financially supported by NSW SARD, either Technical & Commercial or Marketing Assessments. After this we move into fee for service operations. 

It is not our job to question viability but to recommend actions that will assist.

Two levels of assessments are available. These can be sponsored by NSW SARD. A nominal sum of $150.00 plus GST applies to assessments, SARD generally contribute an equivalent amount.  

The areas covered are

* Description and function of the innovation/invention
* Security Status (Intellectual Property Protection)
* Social & Environmental Issues
* Technical Aspects
* Manufacturing Processes
* Testing and Training Information
* Servicing & Maintenance
* Potential applications and markets
* Cost factors and price areas
* Competing products and technologies
* Conclusions & Recommendations  

* Description of the invention
* A summary of competing products
* The SWOT Analysis
* A summary of the market characteristics
* Potential licensees
* Attachments: any additional and relevant information gathering the invention

* Engineering companies, prototypes, tooling and manufacture
* Design companies, specifications into concept drawings
* Market research companies, assessing market volumes and potential
* Specialists that produce references for grant applications
* Patent attorneys, advice on protection, patents and trademarks

* Market Research, check what is out there, in direct competition, substitutes and alternatives.

* Users, how it will be used, compare current methods, features and benefits, price, where you can get it, distribution systems.

* Searching the web, specialist stores, local and overseas magazines, newspapers, trade associations, Australian standards,

* Buyers, why and when they buy, conditions of purchase.

* Competitors, what is offered - not only price, delivery, warranty, design, testing, payment terms, credit facilities.

* Product attributes, what is offered and what is wanted

* The purchase, emotional, safety, functionality, commercial use, leisure, buying factors to be considered.

* The products, for technical service, reliability, durability, function, technical excellence, security or performance. 

* Finally what are the key factors for success.