About Us

Innovation is a major driving force of the global economy and because of this, ideas21 has both UK and overseas  members who bring with them a huge variety of  experience from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

We have grown from the commitment and passion of many successful inventors, business and intellectual property professionals.  They have dedicated their time to help guide would-be inventors and innovators through the complex process of turning an idea into a commercial success.

Formed in February 2000 ideas21, is supported by both government and private organisations and has expanded with

• e-newsletters to subscribers;
• regular evening network meetings including a topical speaker held at the UK Intellectual Property Office in London;
• Free 30-40 minute expert advice sessions for women inventors;
• Seminars and workshops on successful innovation;
• Open meetings and debates on government consultations relating to Intellectual Property and Innovation Support;
• Setting up BAFI®, British Associations for Inventors
• Instigatiing a national Innovation Support Network

Adam Hart-Davis

Adam is a freelance writer, photographer, and broadcaster on radio and television with a particular interest in innovation and technology.  His series include Local Heroes, What the Ancients/Romans/Tudors & Stuarts/Victorians did for us, Inventors Imperfect, and Eureka years. Adam has been our Patron and an active supporter of ideas21 for many years. To find out more about Adam visit http://www.adam-hart-davis.org/

Linda Oakley, MBE

As a result of her own experiences of having prototypes made and discovering the difficulties that the lone inventor faces, Linda has spent years researching into the problems of bringing an idea to market. Her drive and vision converted low-key friendly gatherings and her informal network of contacts into ideas21. 
Linda is regularly asked to write articles, book reviews and book chapters on innovation and intellectual property.  She is Chair of Women Invention and Innovation.

Matt Dixon

Matt is a British and European Patent Attorney who heads the London office of ip21 Limited. He advises many small and medium sized businesses on the protection of their intellectual property, particularly in the electronics, telecommunications and software fields, and is Council member of the Chartered Institute Patent Attorneys. Matt is a member of the ideas21 advisory panel and regularly takes our free innovation clinics