I'm currently working on a new energy generator as part of an independent engineering research project at my university (in the US). I have the idea fine-tuned, and I'm ready to build the prototype. However, before I can start building the actual invention, I need to acquire some funding.
One of my school programs provides funding for student projects, however they require that the students present their idea in a meeting as part of the approval process. I'm worried that if I do so, it might hurt me when I'm trying to (or the university is trying to) obtain a patent on the invention.
That's why I'm wondering: How much detail can I share with the cohort and admin without jeopardizing my chance of applying for a patent? I really don't want to share my idea, but I need to get funding to start the project.