Social innovation has many definitions (depending on who you ask)! We are using a broad definition and are interested in any hardware innovation that has the intent to solve a social or environmental problem. We also expect innovators to be committed to having a framework in place to measure the social impact their initiative will have. We have provided areas of social innovation that we are interested in including; water & sanitation, energy, safety, environment, food and agriculture, economic development & community empowerment and education. For examples of what we consider as hardware led social innovation please see our past winners and the case studies in DEMAND.
Yes. We are only interested in innovations that are taking a physical product to market. We are focused on physical products because this is an area that we think is under supported. We also feel that ASME has competence in design and engineering and so is an area we should focus on.
You should plan to take your solution to market in a financially sustainable way and have a business model that puts your user/ customer at the center of your venture. We expect that most entries will be for profit ventures, but they can also be non-profit in nature or hybrid. However, remember, revenue streams provide the resources to scale your business, reach more people and thus, increase your impact.
The intellectual property of your innovation is your responsibility at all times throughout the competition. We don't do anything to protect your IP and your IP remains yours throughout the whole process.
Only the judges and ASME technical reviewers will see your full application and it will never be shared outside this group without your consent.
In order to win applicants must be available to pitch in person at the showcase event.
Applicants will participate in the showcase that is closest to the residency of the applicant or operations of the business.
No, anyone that has a prototype of a hardware led social innovation can apply.
No, anyone that has a prototype of a hardware led social innovation can apply.
You can contact us at info@hardwareledsocialinnovation.org or by direct message on twitter: @asmeishow