Integrated Ideas Inc.
Mr. William Haas in an independent entrepreneur in the field of chemical engineering and the found and CEO of Integrated Ideas Inc., and Hot Inks, Inc. He approached Bradley University in 2004, bringing four patents and seeking assistance in full product launch of human heating elements. Mr. Haas had spent his career in graphic design and printing operations, managing his own business. It was during his career that he began to experiment with conductive agents of various metallic links and compounds. Throughout his experimentation he discovered the conductive and thermal capabilities of silver ink bound to substrate compound. He then initiated design of a heating element that is capable of coming to a controlled temperature of 100°F in thirty seconds. Design capabilities allow for the heating elements to be made in varied sizes and configurations, thus providing a multitude of applications. Due to the portable, lightweight temperature controller, the system can be sued to combat hypothermia in medical situations or sporting and outdoor recreational activities.
Bradley provided in-depth market research in the areas of competitors, technology applications, instrumentation and power supply redesign, medical device safety and testing requirements, and pricing structures. After all the market applications were evaluated for barriers to entry, it was decided that the consumer marketplace would be the initial point for development and sales. The team at Bradley made introductions for the client and his team to entrepreneurial and networking opportunties in the region and they have now become active and integrated members in these activities.
During this time period, Bradley team members were also working with a USDA chemist in the area of bioconductive polymers. A meeting was coordinated between the two parties to evaluate any similarities in chemical properties. It was quickly identified that this presented an excellent opportunity to build this technology into the current bioconductive polymer research approved in the annual work plan for this USDA laboratory. The hypotheses inlcuded:
1) Is there discharge energy and if so how much?
2) What is the efficiency of the discharge?
3) What density is needed to complete the circuit?
4) Does the conductive bioplastic transmit enough electricity to heat the silver ink?
5) Can thread be coated with silver and then woven?
This is one of the initial technologies to be adopted by an anchor organization from a free standing technology entreprenuer. We have used this case to develop policy and procedures between a federal institution and an independent agent. The overriding goal for the center was to create a process that is sound, documented, and can be replicated throughout the region as these synergies and alliances are created. Specific tools and processes completed to date include material safety handling and transfer agreements, confidentiality and non-disclosure notices, independent intellectual property protection filings for both parties, and a project plan for approval and acceptance by the USDA.
This case demonstrates the environmental change within the region as the rigidity of past corporate cultures disintegrates and barriers for the entreprenuer are reduced. Bradley University is instrumental in actively facilitating this integration of regional activity.