Check the Knowledge Base
Your question not listed?
Reach out to us on our Contact page. We’ll be sure to have an answer!
Looking to submit your Idea?
Click here for the IAS Idea Submission Platform. If you have questions during the submission process, you can contact us for more information.
IP (Intellectual Property) Clinic?
The IP Clinic operates on an appointment basis. Contact us for more information.
Workshops and Events?
We are performing outreach through visits, booths and workshops, sign up on our contact us page or shoot us an email to keep updated on where we are going next and if we are coming to a location near you.
Coming to our location?
Find CED on Waze or Google Maps with search keyword “Microsoft Innovation Centre. CARIRI’s Centre for Enterprise Development is easily located just off the main road in Freeport, and we provide ample parking for visitors. For those travelling to our location, we are an easy commute point for both Taxis and Maxis.
FAQS
What makes an idea "good" or "innovative"?
A good idea, offers a solution to a problem in a ‘cheaper’, ‘better’, ‘faster’ way than what exists presently. For example, solar garden path lights illuminate your garden pathway, saves electricity as it comes on in the dark and turns off at dawn. It requires no expensive wiring and installation is simple by pushing the stake into the ground.
What is the process once my idea is submitted?
The process is simple and requires your full participation. Once you submit your idea, you would be invited to a meeting for an initial screening of the idea. Once it has satisfactorily met the criteria, you will then enter into the Core Program. To ensure your participation and commitment, you will be asked to sign a Letter of Commitment, which outlines the deliverables and time frames for completion. The Program is comprised of two components: the Core program and the Advanced /Follow on Services. This is further described in the Process section.
Who will evaluate my idea?
Your idea will be reviewed by a team of people at CARIRI who have been trained to evaluate ideas by the Danish Technological Institute.
Is there a cost to submit my idea?
There is no cost to submit your idea.
How can I ensure that my idea is protected?
The CARIRI staff involved in evaluating your idea is bounded by the company’s confidentiality agreements.
Once you have been selected for the Core Programme, CARIRI will execute a Non Disclosure Agreement with you to preserve the confidentiality of your idea. We cannot reveal your idea to anyone without your formal consent.
Additionally, one component of the Core Programme is visiting our Intellectual Property Clinic to determine which aspects of your idea can be protected via intellectual property rights (patents, industrial design, trademarks, etc). Officers from the Intellectual Property Office will provide a one on one thirty minute consultation with you regarding your intellectual property rights at the CARIRI’s Centre for Enterprise Development in Freeport. Consultations are confidential and free of charge.
What is the duration of the process?
The programme has two main components:-
- The Core Programme – duration of which is estimated at a maximum of 3 months. A further breakdown is provided in the Process section. After completion of this phase, you can choose to exit the programme or move on to:-
- Advanced Follow-Up – this part of the programme does not have fixed time frames and will be determined on a case by case basis.
Why should I submit my idea?
The program allows you to test the commercial viability of your idea and once successful, it affords you the opportunity to begin the path towards commercialization. Depending on the nature of your idea and your own preference, you may either license/ sell your idea to an existing company or start your own business.
Who can submit their ideas?
Anyone can submit their idea. There is no age limit, but persons who are below the age of 18 would require the permission of their parent or guardian.
Is there a limit on the number of ideas I can submit?
You can submit as many ideas as you like. There is no limit.
When is the deadline to submit my ideas?
This is an ongoing programme. There are no deadlines to submit your idea. However, we do encourage you to get started today. Your idea can be the next game changer! #idea2reality
How do i apply?
To apply you can visit this page and complete our Idea Submission Form.
Where can i find more information?
To get more information, kindly contact us at 299-0209 (Ext. 2210 or 2211) or via email ias@cariri.com
Does my idea need to be related to any particular sector/industry?
All types of ideas are welcome. It is not industry specific.
What is required of me if my idea is chosen?
Your time, cooperation, commitment and participation in completing the predetermined deliverables within the Core program are required.
What is the difference between a pretotype and a prototype.
The word Pretotype comes from two words “Pretendo” and “Prototype”, which means pretend prototype. A pretotype is an extremely simplified mock up that is both inexpensive and quick to develop. It is used to determine if your idea has any value in the real world.
A prototype is a preliminary model used to test a concept or process. Prototypes are usually expensive and time consuming to build.
If you have further questions, please contact us at 299-0209 Ext. 2210, 2211 or email ias@cariri.com
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