Through a partnership with Oklahoma State University’s New Product Development Center (NPDC) OCAST offers the Inventor's Assistance Service (IAS) which provides guidance and resources to Oklahoma's inventors. IAS provides services in the area of preliminary patent searches, market analyses, manufacturing referrals, engineering analyses, prototyping, and drawing/model design. The NPDC also links the innovative ideas and capabilities of Oklahoma's small-and medium-sized manufacturers with the knowledge and technical expertise of the land grant university faculty, staff and students. This collaboration allows for the development and commercialization of economically competitive new products and improves manufacturing practices that strengthen economies, create new and enhanced jobs, improve capital investment and increase tax base.