Wessex Round Table of Inventors (WRTI) is a thriving Club for inventors. We aim to provide a friendly environment, where Members can gain support and encouragement for their endeavours, and can share experience and knowledge of the inventing process with each other.
WRTI is formed by and for inventors, innovators and entrepreneurs - whether lone beginners or experienced professionals. Based in Southampton, Hampshire, the club acts as a catalyst for ideas and a forum for like-minded individuals to meet and share views. WRTI also serves to stimulate, encourage and promote the development of Members' innovative new concepts and/or products.
Club meetings are normally held at 6.30pm on the second Wednesday of the month at Southampton Solent University. They include presentations by guest speakers of specific interest to inventors and provide ample networking opportunities, when Members can meet and exchange information and ideas with each other. For the latest information, see forthcoming events and Inventique - the free monthly innovation magazine including WRTI News.
Membership is open to people over the age of eighteen, with an interest in inventing and is by acceptance. Subscriptions are currently £30 per year to July 31st, or pro-rata for new Members joining during the year.
Associate Membership is open to individuals and companies who are not themselves inventors but who wish to offer support services to Members, such as business angels, patent agents, industrial and product designers, innovation support specialists, IPR lawyers and prototype manufacturers.
Student Membership, which is free of charge, is open to full time and part time undergraduate/postgraduate students over the age of 18 of recognised UK further education establishments.
For full details on how to join, see: join WRTI. Prospective new Members are very welcome to attend a club meeting, upon first contacting the Membership Secretary (see: Contact us) and signing WRTI's non-disclosure agreement.
'Inventique' the free innovation magazine including WRTI News is circulated monthly by e-mail to Members and thousands of other readers around the world.
Since the Club was established in 2000, it has thrived and established/developed strong links with both Southampton Solent University and Business Link Wessex.
Southampton Solent University has pioneered the liaison between Inventors Clubs and Academic Establishments, by establishing an 'Inventors Academy', subsidised membership of which is open to WRTI Members and Associate Members, who are encouraged to join, gaining access to the University's facilities.
Business Link Wessex provides an invaluable source of advice essential to inventors, who often need to find sources of finance and obtain business introductions.
Our former Chairman - Professor David Nicholas MBE who sadly died in December 2004, established a considerable reputation with his creation of the 'Virtual Company' concept. A Virtual Company is a unique system for surrounding an inventor with all kinds of expertise, without the inventor having to provide substantial up-front funding. With the help of the Club and Business Link Wessex, WRTI Members established an enviable record of obtaining SMART awards.
For further information about Wessex Round Table of Inventors and/or for a membership application pack, contact the Membership Secretary - see: Contact us.
