I've been looking forward to reporting to you on the Metroplex Technology Business Council, a new program for large tech companies in the DFW area and small businesses & entrepreneurs that has just gone live.

The program is called TechQuest, and it's a way to match up entrepreneurs, small-med businesses, grad students & professors, and just about anyone who has a good tech idea with large companies who are looking for solutions. The first partner company is Texas Instruments, and they have listed dozens of technology areas on the MTBC website that they are interested in and would like to receive solution ideas from individuals and companies (solar, nanotechnology, wireless, home automation, many many more). MTBC volunteers will screen the applications, help the presenter to clarify their "pitch", and schedule a meeting with the appropriate person at the larger company, in this case, TI. The possible outcomes of this matching could be supplier-vendor, licensing, creating a new start-up company, or all sorts of partnership opportunities. This is a very unique program to get people in front of high-level company executives that they might not otherwise have the chance to meet.

The process as simple and fast as possible: just read the sought-after tech areas, and send in an email application answering 2 basic questions.

If successful, it isn't hard to imagine this model being replicated elsewhere. As corporations, particularly in tech, continue to seek creative and innovative ideas it was only a matter of time before they formally started to reach beyond their walls. If you are an entrepreneur or "idea person" who can also take their idea to at least a prototype phase or detailed explanation, this could be a tremendous opportunity.

For more information visit their website at http://www.metroplextbc.org/.

For more news on the MTBC see the Dallas Business Journal article here.