Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hi all-

I am looking for a chemist who can help me with the chemical composition of a product that I have created in my mind. Where can I find such a chemist and how do I go about soliciting their assistance? Do university professors typically require a fee for their involvement in prototyping and development?

Additionally, what of patenting an idea? Is it recommended that one patents an idea prior to prototyping? It seems risky to me to patent an idea, thereby making it public, before having anything concrete such as a prototype. What is recommended?

Thanks for any help!!