Corrimal Mum's Novel Notion
Illawarra Mercury
Saturday February 21, 2004
THE successful commercialisation of inventions like a revolutionary bookmark designed by Corrimal mother of two Elida Madonanakis has ensured Wollongong continues to live up to its reputation as a City of Innovation.
And it has done it with the help of the Illawarra Innovation Advisory Centre.
The centre, hosted by Illawarra Technology Centre and funded by the Department of State and Regional Development, has helped an increasing number of innovators convert their ideas into products in the marketplace.
Sandra Mercado said the centre provided a wide range of information, advice and support in relation to intellectual property protection, prototyping and commercialisation.
``It may be that an innovator wants to try to sell their idea or they may want to make it into a business for themselves," she said.
``It may be a small business or it may have global potential. In any case the innovation centre can help you get started and work out the best approach to make your idea happen."
Mrs Madonanakis sought the centre's help to turn her idea for a new e-mark bookmark into reality.
The concept come to her in a flash five years ago when she was carrying text books for a computer course at TAFE.
Like many good inventions her idea was simple.
A subtle clip slides onto the back page of the book and a silk ribbon is used to mark the desired page.
But like many innovators the prospect of commercialising the idea was daunting.
Mrs Madonanakis placed it on the backburner for three years but approached Ms Mercado when she joined the innovation centre two years ago.
``Initially I didn't know where to go or who to turn to but she has been my guardian angel," she said.
``If it weren't for her I wouldn't have got to this stage. She has gone out of her way to be there for me."
Ms Mercado said like most innovations, it took about a year to get the prototype made.
The process involved finding the right material, a suitable manufacturer and taking out intellectual property protection.
``It takes a lot of leg work but Elida was persistent," Ms Mercado said.
There were several other Illawarra innovators at a similar stage and Ms Mercado now planned to provide them with networking opportunities so they could mentor each other.
Before Christmas the e-mark satin ribbon page marker was distributed to a variety of major and independent book stores including Dymocks, Collins Booksellers, Ever After and the University of Wollongong Uni Shop.
The next step was statewide, national and online distribution.
Mrs Madonanakis felt once people trialled the bookmark and saw how practical and easy it was to use, the word would spread.
She had already received very positive feedback.
The advantages of Mrs Madonanakis' innovation is that the bookmark doesn't slip out of the book and it doesn't intrude when you're reading.
You just flip the ribbon to the back of the book.
It comes in two sizes and 10 colours.
© 2004 Illawarra Mercury