From lab access to legal information, inventors draw upon a wide range of resources when developing new tools. Throughout the Tool Foundry accelerator, we’ve received support from organizations who collaborated with the initiative and helped spread the word about the accelerator opportunity. Here are seven resources and opportunities from organizations helping inventors build a strong foundation for tool development.
Autodesk
Startups and nonprofits addressing social and environmental issues can apply to receive Autodesk software through the organization’s Technology Impact Program. The program gives inventors free access to 3D design, engineering, and design visualization technology.
Conservation X
Conservation X Labs’ Digital Makerspace is an open community creating tech solutions that address conservation’s greatest problems. Inventors can submit projects, find collaborators, discuss ideas, and get advice from a community of experts and fellow creators.
Cyclotron Road
Based in Berkeley, the two-year fellowship is designed for scientists and engineers advancing technology that has the potential for global impact. Fellows receive a yearly living stipend, access to world-class research labs, mentorship, and funding. Applications for the 2020 cohort are open until November 6.
HardwareX
The free peer-reviewed journal promotes open source designing, building, and customizing of scientific hardware. Innovators submit designs under an open hardware license so that other users can replicate the hardware developments.
LexMundi Pro Bono Foundation
The legal nonprofit supports entrepreneurs solving social issues. Prepared by top legal firms, LexMundi’s Legal Resource Center provides relevant U.S. and international resources for social change organizations.
Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA)
The OSHWA Certification is a straightforward way to indicate that products meet a uniform and well-defined standard for open source hardware. Certified open source hardware is listed in a projects directory, enabling users to search projects by type of hardware, license, and country of origin.
VentureWell
VentureWell supports inventors, innovators, and entrepreneurs solving the world’s biggest challenges. The Early-Stage Innovators initiative offers a range of programs designed to build a path for success, including investment readiness training, mentorship, and funding.
Access more resources in the Tool Foundry Toolbox
It takes more than a great idea to bring powerful scientific tools to people who need them. We’ve curated a selection of resources to help inventors build and iterate accessible tools that effectively reach, engage, and impact users around the world. Explore the Toolbox.
Join us for the Tool Foundry Showcase
On November 18, the five cohort teams will present their tools at a celebratory Tool Foundry Showcase in New York. Space is limited, and newsletter subscribers will receive early access to registration — subscribe to make sure you get the invite and to read more about cohort teams Feles, MakeItSo, Octopi, On-Target Cards, and Spectra.