Wyolum Emergence announced their WyoLum Innovation Grant 2012 a few days ago. Two $1000, and four $250 grants will be given out to open source hardware projects entered by December 14th, 2012. Projects will be judged by innovation, technical feasibility, commercial viability, planned use of the funds, and the viability of reaching your set of goals in 6 months. For more information check out their website.
We believe that with the global democratization of ideas and technology, humanity is emerging into a fundamental phase shift of ideas and things. No longer will inventors hoard their inventions and hold ideas hostage, but they will share through open technology and innovation to accelerate the rate of discovery and expand access to the benefits of the first world. In support of Open Hardware, we are pleased to announce two $1000 (USD) grants and four $250 grants to be awarded to the most qualified applicants.
When I read this I first thought that the grants was ridiculously small, $250 is more or less nothing as a grant especially when you have to fulfil targets set for the next 6 months.
But then I realized that Wyolum Emergence is not a huge corporate entity or educational institution, but more like a bunch of random happy hackers and then it suddenly seems like more generous and nice.
Still, writing an application containing a mini business plan to compete for six (very) small grants seems like a lot of hassle – at least for me that have passed the “I’m a poor student” -stage in life.
But I’m sure that there are plenty of hw-hackers that could make good use of this generous offer.