Uponor Inc. has launched a new subsidiary called Uponor Innovations LLC, designed to identify emerging markets.

“We are very fortunate to work with very talented and creative people at Uponor,” says Bill Gray, president of Uponor North America. “But, we have to recognize that no single company has a monopoly on good ideas. Uponor Innovations is one way we can connect with others externally and help turn their good ideas into a reality.”

Anyone from entrepreneurs to startups, business owners, management teams, investors and funds can submit an executive summary of their ideas to www.uponorinnovations.com. Uponor is open to exploring ideas that may or may not build on its existing product profile and business model.

“Someone may have a good idea, but lack the resources to gain any traction or success,” says Gray. “That’s where Uponor can help. We have a successful and established infrastructure to help introduce ideas, products, processes, and technology to our industry.”

This infrastructure includes staff, funding, manufacturing, marketing, sales, technical support and a national distribution network. Uponor Innovations is not an investment portfolio enterprise, but rather its approach is to pursue involvement through existing Uponor assets and resources.

“The entrepreneurial spirit is a core part of our culture at Uponor; it’s in our DNA,” Grays says. “We’re very excited about this new venture where we can all capitalize on better ideas and solutions to revolutionize our industry.”