Agreement Lets APS Members Provide Expertise to Industry

One company is looking for innovative technologies to reduce the moisture content of coal. Another company seeks better rust removal chemicals. Still other companies need technologies for polymer optical devices, platinum-free catalysts for fuel cells, and construction materials and technologies that enhance energy efficiency and safety.

Rather than develop these technologies in house, these companies can turn to TekScout, an online network that brings together scientists and engineers to solve R&D challenges posted by corporations that seek outside expertise.

APS members may have the expertise to find solutions to some of these challenges. APS has recently signed an agreement with TekScout that allows APS members to sign up as experts at a 50% discount. Registered TekScout experts will be notified of industrial challenges in physics and applied physics. A list of current challenges is on the TekScout website; more details on the challenges are available to registered experts. Experts who believe they can provide the needed expertise can send in a response, and those selected to work on the posted challenges receive payment for their work. Each company offers experts a fee and sets a timeline for completion. As of  October 1, 2008, the registration fee for APS members is $50. TekScout is a service of UTEK, an innovation services company.

Through this open innovation process, TekScout can help companies develop products faster and less expensively than they could do using only internal resources.  

“Our alliance with APS brings TekScout clients additional expert resources in the disciplines of physics and applied physics and further expands our base of TekExperts,” stated Edward Weisberg, Vice President of UTEK and General Manager of TekScout in a press release.

“Part of APS’s mission is to encourage the advancement of science and science education. We believe that the opportunity for our members to solve challenges on TekScout will provide an additional forum for our members to carry out this effort,” stated APS Executive Officer Judy Franz.

As reported in the October, 2006 APS News, APS also has an agreement with Fortnight Solutions, another company that matches experts with companies needing outside assistance.
Visit Fortnight Solutions.