If you think you've got a good idea or a problem that needs a solution the best place to start is the investigation.

here are some hints that might help you.

Remember to keep records
Record all your work in the journal available from this site, and it will make submitting your entry a lot easier.
You can write information, draw pictures, charts and diagrams. You could take photos or make a mock-up of your invention.
List all the books, Internet sites and other references that you use. Make a note in your journal of the web address and the date you visited the site. For books, list the title, the author, the publisher and the pages you used. You will find the publisher’s name on the title page inside the book, or in the fine print on the back of the title page (this is called the imprint page).

Will you get famous?
Students may be asked to talk to the press and do interviews. You and your family would need to give permission for publicity first.

Will you make any money out of your invention?
Commercialising an invention is a long and tricky process. Most inventions don’t make it into the market place, but some do. Nobody can tell for sure which invention will be a best seller, but there are a few things you can do to maximise your chances.

• You will need to undertake a lot of market research.
• You will need to make a huge commitment in time and effort, and be prepared to keep thinking and learning about your invention, the market place, and yourself.

Market Research
Once you have a prototype (working model) of your invention you will need to make sure enough people will want to buy your invention in the right shape, form and size (and maybe colour) and at the right price.

If you want to know more about market research and you think you can handle something with quite a bit more detail click here.

Desk research
Read industry magazines and journals that could relate to your invention.
Search the Internet for information about other products and potential markets.

People research
You will need to talk to retailers about what sells. You might talk to people who would use your product and get their opinion. The more people you ask, the more accurate your research will be.

Don’t forget to record all your work in your journal.

Can someone steal your idea?
It’s a good idea before you start showing your invention to other people to ask them to keep the information secret. You may ask them to sign a confidentiality agreement – a simple form where they promise not to talk to anybody else about what you’re going to show them.

Can you patent you invention?
A Patent gives you exclusive rights to manufacture, market and use the product in any of the countries in which you are granted a patent for about 20 years. Patents normally take four or more years from application to grant. They are also very expensive and should be undertaken by a Patent Attorney.