Topic: Most inventions never make it past a sketch on a napkin. Meet the people changing that.

About this episode

This episode explores the journey of inventors from concept to commercialization, featuring insights from industry experts.

In this episode of Invent America , we dive deep into the real-world process of bringing a product to life. From Windsley Richard’s life-saving "SkyBridge" emergency exit system—inspired by airplane safety—to Wendi Short’s "Float No More," which solved a decade-long problem with hot tub relaxation, we explore the grit required to move from concept to commercialization. We also sit down with industry expert Ian Osborne to discuss a critical turning point for every solo inventor: The Prototype. Do you go full-scale or start small? Ian breaks down the logic behind the proof-of-concept and why a 15x15 model can sometimes be more powerful than a multi-story demo. Whether you're struggling with USPTO patent hurdles or looking for a licensing partner, this segment is a masterclass in staying the course. Key Takeaways for Solo Inventors: How to identify a "Surprise Market." The transition from "Concept" to "Commercialization." Why the Inventor’s Roundtable is your secret weapon. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

People in this episode

Hosts: Rita Crompton, Michael King

Guest: Ian Osborne

Topics covered

• invention process
• product commercialization
• prototyping
• solo inventors
• market identification
• patent hurdles

Keywords

• invention
• prototype
• commercialization
• USPTO
• licensing
• market
• emergency exit system
• hot tub relaxation

Mentioned in this episode

Products: SkyBridge, Float No More

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