22 Starting a new company, with the involvement of an INL employee, is one way to further develop and commercialize technologies created at INL. It is an alternative to licensing IP to an established business. Startups can be a preferred route for commercialization because they can provide the professional guidance and development needed to demonstrate commercial viability, and improve the chances that an early-stage technology reaches the market. Inventors who are interested in starting a new company should contact TD prior to taking any actions. A few key factors when considering a startup company are: • development risk (often large companies in established indus- tries are unwilling to take the risk for unproven technology) • development costs versus investment return (can the inves- tors in the startup obtain their needed rates of return?) • potential for multiple products or services from the same technology (few companies survive on one product alone) • sufficiently large competitive advantage and target market • potential revenues sufficient to sustain and grow a company Resources exist within the region to support the development of new businesses commercializing INL IP. INL’s Technology Based Economic Development specialist can help connect entrepreneurs to regional resources. Startup Companies by Employees Defining startup company: a new business entity formed to commercialize IP INL startups 5D Robotics and Advanced Ceramic Fibers present at 2017 INL Lab Accelerator meeting (from left to right: David Bruemmer, Scott Hartley, Shawn Perkins, John Garnier) It is important for INL employees interested in starting a new company, based on INL-owned technologies, to read and follow GDE-22210 Guide for Employees Considering an INL Technology Start-up. The guide provides the necessary steps and considerations to take, such as: • knowing conflicts of interest, property usage, and professional leave policies • mandatory steps to obtain management approval and support • required forms (Disclosure of Outside Activities/ Potential Conflict of Interest) • preparing a startup’s business plan and other relevant information related to  the startup