Today the Massachusetts High Technology Council (MHTC) announced launch of a network, the Innovation Access Network (IAN), that aims to connect local innovators with seekers of technology. The launch of IAN is being announced this morning at the MHTC’s 2011 Annual Meeting, where Senator John Kerry well be giving the keynote address.
“Massachusetts and New England are home to the nation’s leading technology firms, defense contractors, universities, research labs and small businesses, and IAN is the connective tissue for the region’s innovative technology cluster that will help create new partnerships, business opportunities, and jobs,” said Senator Kerry in the press release this morning.
The network allows tech innovators to share their innovations and ideas, and seekers to both view those innovations for potential purchase as well as dictate the technologies for which they have needs. IAN will facilitate the development of technology across sectors (namely defense technology, IT, communications, advanced materials, medical devices, and clean technology) in an online environment much like the cluster it aims to connect and advance through policy and its programs.
“IAN is the centerpiece of the Council’s efforts to create and implement a strategy to grow and enhance the New England technology cluster and to galvanize the region’s political, industrial and academic assets,” said MHTC President Christopher Anderson. “We look forward to working with innovators, seekers and collaborators to expand the reach of IAN across New England and the world.”
Last week British Ambassador to the US, Sir Nigel Sheinwald, announced that the UK was the first international partner for IAN.
The MHTC defines “innovator” and “seeker” on the IAN platform as follows:
- “Innovators” – Typically small businesses or entrepreneurs who have a great idea they want to share, develop or sell. In order to build a strong base of innovators in the system, MHTC has waived the annual fee for the first 100 innovators to sign up for IAN.
- “Seeker” – While not defined by size, seekers are generally larger technology firms, universities, research labs or government agencies. They use IAN to discover new innovations or to find solutions for a specific technology need or contract. Seekers must be MHTC members to enroll in IAN.
IAN was developed over the past year and built by Quincy-based ideaPoint. Many member organizations, including Textron, BAE Systems, UMass, Natick Solider Systems Center, Charles Stark Draper Labs and the Mass. Port Authority have joined IAN as “seekers” already.
The MHTC is an over thirty year old organization, with a mission to strengthen New England’s economy by advocating for public policy (policies that advance tax incentives, cost competitiveness, defense technology, talent development, and clean energy), facilitating collaboration across sectors, and providing best-practices programs. The majority of member companiesand their Board are mainly life sciences, healthcare, and energy companies, with dues ranging from $500 – $25,000 depending on a given company’s revenues. Startups less than three years old can become members for free.
