FAQs
When will Idea Lab Applications be opened?
Applications will be open April 22 - June 6, 2022.
What kind of characteristics is Idea Lab looking for in applicants?
Passion for solving urgent challenges, innovative mindset, willingness to engage with mentors, high proficiency in English, commitment to entrepreneurship and starting a social venture/enterprise, and a willingness to learn.
What kind of profiles is Idea Lab looking for in applicants?
Entrepreneurs, academics, engineers, designers, hobbyists, makers, and dreamers!
Can teams apply or is Idea Lab only for individuals?
Teams and/or individuals can apply if they have an pre-idea/idea/concept they would like to develop into a hardware-led social innovation with intent to scale.
Who owns the IP of my idea?
You do! As an Idea Lab participant, however, you will be agreeing to share the specifics of your idea/concept with ASME, our expert network, and the general public (within agreed upon boundaries).
How long is my engagement with Idea Lab?
Depending on your stage of development, your technical knowledge, and your needs moving forward, Idea Lab incubation will last between 6-18 months.
What kind of ideas is Idea Lab looking for?
An idea that will ultimately lead to a hardware-led innovation that addresses a social and/or environmental challenge (see UN SDGs as a reference).
I'm not an engineer or designer. Can I still apply?
Yes! A technical background helps, but we welcome great ideas from all!
What will I receive if selected as a participant?
Participants can receive a range of benefits, including: design services, expert mentorship, access to space/labs/tooling, software access, tutorials/webinars/learning modules, and seed grants based upon progress.
What can I expect to learn throughout the Idea Lab process?
You will learn how to implement Sustainable and Human Centered Design practices. You will also be exposed to iterating through design concepts, refining problem statements from research insights, developing research strategies, and creating designs/sketches/prototypes to test your concepts and assumptions.