Indiana Inventors Association

Want to build a prototype of your invention?   Has Machyne got the place for you! Alex Bandar, PhD (executive director, Machyne) believes that everyone has the potential to be an educated and empowered innovator.   If you can imagine something, you can learn how to, and actually, sketch it digitally in 2 or 3 dimensions for free.   YouTube shows you how.  Give that sketch to computer-run machines and they will create a prototype of the thing for you. If you need money for materials or for access to tools, run a crowdfunding campaign.   Show your prototype to a customer, investor, company, or retailer and ask if they will use your idea.   If they say yes, a global network of manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can spread your idea to markets worldwide. Alex embodied his belief by creating a clubhouse for makers, first in Columbus, OH ( Idea Foundry ) and now in Indianapolis.   Machyne makes it easy to move an idea from your head into your hand.   Tools, classes, membership

Business is about relationships.   Benjamin Harrison (product developer; creator, SmartPitch ; author, Licensing Ideas Using LinkedIn ) told us how to use LinkedIn to approach decision makers and persuade them to join our teams. LinkedIn is playing a bigger role for inventors.   Many trade shows have been canceled or have become virtual.   Many people won’t answer a phone call from an unknown caller.   Thousands of companies are looking for inventions but must be approached professionally. The goal of using LinkedIn is to send direct and courteous messages seeking common ground to specific people.   Then, if common ground exists, move the conversation off of LinkedIn.   There is no need to create content about your invention or to be an influencer in order to get at least a 25% response rate from decision makers. Build a community of people with compatible interests because you never know who might help you.   Start by creating a professional profile on exactly one LinkedIn a