Technology scouting
We find the technology you need, wherever it was invented.
Universities, federal labs, research institutes and companies hold thousands of technologies that never reach a product, and some companies are ready to sell technologies they no longer need. We search them on your behalf and help you bring the right one in.
We work only for our clients and sit on one side of the deal: yours. We take no fees or commissions from the owners of the technologies we find.
We represent our clients confidentially. While we search, we never disclose who they are.
Who it is for
For research-led companies that want the best answer, wherever it comes from.
- Companies with strong research of their own that want a clear view of what universities, labs and other companies have developed in their fields.
- Leaders who hold their products to exacting standards and plan for the long term, and who need to hear early about technologies that could matter to them.
- Companies outside the United States that want a discreet, trusted presence in US research without opening an office.
- Corporate development and innovation teams looking for technology to license, acquire or develop jointly.
How it works
From a clear need to a signed agreement
Understand the need
We work closely with you to understand your needs fully: not only what you are looking for, but why. We learn both the tactical requirements of the problem in front of you and the strategic goals behind it.
Search
We search federal labs, universities, research institutes, startups and patent records, and companies that are divesting technologies or have technologies for sale, in the United States and abroad.
Initial screening
We screen what we find and present the opportunities to you in short written summaries. You decide which ones warrant a deeper dive.
Deep dive
At your request, we take a closer look at the opportunities you choose. A deep dive often means meeting the inventors, the labs and the owners, so that we can see each technology first-hand in light of your needs. At that stage, you have actionable information.
Close the deal
We facilitate the deal through to signing. We introduce you to the owner when you are ready, and help you agree terms that fit: a license, an acquisition, sponsored research or joint development.
Ways to work with us
Choose the engagement that fits the need
Scouting retainer
A confidential US scouting channel, without the cost of a US office or staff. We follow labs, universities and companies for technology that fits your priorities and bring you new opportunities on a schedule we agree with you.
Single search
One defined need, a fixed scope, and a written report on the best opportunities we find, with a deep dive on those you choose.
Confidential acquisition
We act as your buying agent for a patent or a technology, so that your identity stays private until the deal closes.
Sponsored research
We arrange research at US universities and labs on your behalf, on terms that protect your rights to the results.
What we are looking for now
Areas of interest
We are scouting in these areas now. If you own a technology or patents that fit one of them, we would like to hear about it. Send a short, non-confidential summary first.
Materials and manufacturing
Advanced materials
Metals and alloys, including precious metals; ceramics, polymers, composites and other engineered materials.
Surfaces and coatings
Coatings and thin films such as DLC, PVD and anti-reflective coatings, luminescent materials, and surface treatments that control friction and wear.
Optics and photonics
Optical materials and components, and technologies that generate, guide or sense light.
Advanced manufacturing
Additive, subtractive and laser-based processes, micro-machining and micro-engraving, automation and assembly.
Measurement and inspection
Metrology, non-destructive testing, imaging and machine vision.
Digital, electronics and communications
Digital engineering and AI
Simulation, computational design and applied AI for engineering and manufacturing.
Processors and AI hardware
Microprocessors, AI accelerators, GPU architectures and other digital systems.
Semiconductors
Semiconductor fabrication, memory and image sensors.
Networking and wireless communications
Wi-Fi, LTE and 5G NR, including standard-essential patents.
Cloud computing
Virtualization, containers and distributed storage.
Signal processing
Audio and video codecs, and image processing.
Displays and consumer electronics
LCD, OLED and microLED displays, and the devices that use them.
Security and intellectual property
Product security and traceability
Authentication, anti-counterfeiting and supply-chain traceability, in any industry.
Patent portfolios for sale or license
Single patents and portfolios, especially those that read on products already on the market.
Patent licensing and enforcement
Portfolios where a licensing program or enforcement is the path to value. We work alongside experienced patent counsel.
IP finance
Litigation funding, patent-backed lending and royalty monetization, arranged with specialist funders.
Other technologies
We also search beyond these areas, wherever our clients' needs and interests lead.
Tell us what you need, or what you want to place.
A short note is enough to start. Please do not send confidential details until we have agreed how to protect them.