In current research and development processes, competition winners from call for proposals are the only artifacts typically published. This process hides the early part of project creation and frequently is biased toward established researchers, reducing participation of typically excluded community members and controversial ideas. In this discussion, we will examine how to foster support around the vulnerability of sharing of early stage ideas and work through the potential of registration for the purpose of 1) recognizing/protecting initial R&D concepts; 2) increasing transparency in the decision-making process of research project selection; 3) broadening participation in R&D activities into communities typically under-represented. This talk will be facilitated by Garron Hillaire, AERDF & John Whitmer, The Learning Agency drawing on their experience working with early stage ideas in research and development.