The First U.S. Patent
On the 212th day, July 31st, 1790 - a significant milestone was marked in U.S. history when President George Washington signed the first patent. This patent recognized an innovative new process to make potash, a crucial plant fertilizer.
Since that day, the United States has granted over eleven million patents. This large number of patents reflects the deep intertwining of innovation and intellectual property with the American ethos and dream.
In America, If an individual has an idea, the democratic and free-market principles of the country ensure that they have the right to protect and develop that idea, from first hypothesis to a thriving business.
American Research Labs
Most innovation and intellectual property, contrary to popular belief, doesn't originate from individuals. Rather, they emerge from large research labs, which are sustained by the investment of the nation and its taxpayers.
Annually, hundreds of billions of dollars are funneled into these research and development labs. This funding not only aims to protect our country but also to fuel the continuous drive of the innovation engine.
This approach has produced some of the most groundbreaking technological advancements that you use today, such as:
Microchips, the fundamental building blocks of modern electronics.
Image Sensors and Touch Screens, the core technology behind smartphones.
GPS, the global positioning system that has transformed navigation.
The Internet.
The Digital Library Initiative, which laid the groundwork for search engines like Google.
Read here for a more comprehensive list of the Top 50 US Funded Government Technologies.
Transform Lab Technology into Impactful Ventures.
Despite the proven value of technology developed in federal labs, a significant portion remains confined within the lab ecosystem, never reaching the public. This is a critical issue, considering the substantial funding and resources invested in these innovations.
The Highway Ventures founding team, deeply familiar with the federal lab environment, aims to address this. With tens of thousands of patents and intellectual property disclosures developed every year, we are committed to bringing these innovations into the world. Our direct experience provides us with a unique understanding of both the challenges and the pathways to successfully commercialize federal technology.
From this place of understanding, Highway Ventures has been created to build great companies from federal lab developed technology. The cornerstone of our approach is based on three fundamental pillars: technology, talent and capital, each applied strategically and timely.
If any of this resonates with you, please reach out to Highway Ventures to discuss or learn more!
