iExchange: New networking service is set to become the East
Midlands' premier online idea sharing destination for bright
sparks.
East Midlands Development Agency (emda) has unveiled an
innovative matchmaking service for people looking for help in
developing their bright ideas.
The innovation Exchange (iExchange) hosted on the East Midlands
Innovation Portal, allows people with innovative ideas to find
partners, such as universities, funding bodies and manufacturers,
to turn their vision into a reality.
Officially launched this month, the service already has 16 ideas
posted onto the iExchange, ranging from high-tech fingerprinting
technology to new supersonic bus designs and X-ray cameras to
anti-counterfeit labelling systems.
People registering with the site can then search the iExchange,
access a wealth of information and advice about funding and support
services for East Midlands' businesses, and also make contact with
other iExchange members to discuss their ideas or offer their
support.
The iExchange will also keep users up to date on new ideas and
progress being made in turning concepts and thoughts into
marketable products and services through regular email alerts.
Dr. Martin French, emda's Head of Innovation, said: "I am
delighted with the new service. Whether businesses want to showcase
ideas, ask for help or find funding, the iExchange is uniquely
placed to offer something to everyone.
"The response by organisations using the new service has been
fantastic, showing that despite the challenging economic climate,
businesses in the East Midlands are determined to prepare
themselves for the future.
"As Innovation continues to play a key role in businesses
becoming and remaining competitive, the iExchange offers the
perfect place for businesses to meet and interact with new people
and explore new ideas," added Dr. French.