Our Process

A disciplined path from invention intake to intellectual property strategy and commercial advancement.

Why the Process Matters

VetVention is being designed around a simple principle: limited resources should be concentrated where they can create meaningful progress.

That requires more than enthusiasm for an idea. It requires a repeatable way to understand an invention, evaluate its readiness, assess the inventor’s commitment, identify the most useful next steps, and decide whether VetVention is positioned to help.

Our founders are currently refining the first version of this process and the scoring rubric that supports it. The framework below reflects the model being developed for the initial program.

1. Express Interest

A veteran inventor begins by joining the interest list or submitting the initial application when an application period is open. Early-stage submissions are intended to provide enough information to understand the project without requiring unnecessary disclosure of confidential technical details.

2. Initial Invention Intake

The applicant explains the problem being solved, the proposed solution at an appropriate level of detail, the current stage of development, known alternatives, likely users or customers, progress already made, and the inventor’s plans for moving forward.

3. Preliminary Screening

VetVention performs an initial review for program eligibility, completeness, mission fit, readiness, and threshold concerns. Projects that are not yet ready for deeper review may be directed toward educational or external resources when appropriate.

4. Structured Evaluation

Applications advancing beyond preliminary screening are evaluated using a defined scoring framework. The rubric currently being refined considers factors such as the importance and clarity of the problem, potential differentiation, technical feasibility, execution progress, market or use-case potential, founder commitment, intellectual property potential, and overall program fit.

The scoring system is intended to support consistent decision-making, not replace professional judgment. Higher-scoring projects may still require additional diligence, while a project with a particular weakness may remain promising if that weakness can be addressed.

5. Founder Interview and Additional Review

Promising applicants may be invited to speak with VetVention reviewers, answer follow-up questions, and provide additional information. The objective is to understand not only the invention, but also the inventor’s ability and willingness to execute on the next stage of development.

6. Selection and Support Plan

If a project is selected for a VetVention program, the organization will identify an appropriate scope of support based on the invention’s needs, available funding, professional resources, and program parameters.

Different inventions may require different paths. One project may need further technical validation before substantial patent work. Another may be ready for prior-art analysis and patent strategy. Another may have intellectual property in place but need help thinking through licensing or commercialization.

7. Intellectual Property and Development

Where intellectual property support is appropriate, selected inventors may be connected with qualified patent professionals and other resources under clearly defined engagement terms. VetVention’s intended role is to coordinate and support the process while preserving the professional independence and responsibilities of participating attorneys and agents.

8. Advance Toward Commercial Opportunity

VetVention’s vision does not end when a patent application is filed. As the organization grows, selected projects may be connected with mentors, technical resources, licensing expertise, industry participants, business-development support, funding resources, manufacturing contacts, and other commercialization pathways.

What the Process Does Not Guarantee

Submission of an application does not create an attorney-client relationship and does not guarantee acceptance, funding, legal representation, patent filing, issuance of a patent, investment, licensing, or commercialization success.

VetVention is being designed to improve the quality of the journey and the decisions made along the way. The inventor remains an active participant throughout that process.