Join a Global Network
It takes a network to launch hardware-led solutions for social and environmental impact. Whether you’re an expert, partner, or sponsor, your support will drive meaningful innovation.
Expert Directory Coming Soon!
Why Support ASME Hardware?
Impact
Guide innovators working on real-world challenges and help them avoid costly mistakes.
Community
Join a global network of peers across engineering, design, and impact sectors.
Professional Development
Mentoring keeps your skills sharp while giving back to the next generation.
Visibility
Be recognized as a thought leader in hardware-led social innovation.
Flexible Engagement
Choose how deeply to participate—whether through events, advising, or program support.
Strategic Role
Help shape ASME’s portfolio and investment decisions through expert input.
Share Your Expertise. Shape What’s Next.
Our innovators need more than technical advice. They need people who see the full picture, from users and communities to the challenges of scaling real products. We’re inviting engineers, designers, builders, business minds, and creative problem solvers to help guide the next wave of social hardware ventures.
In Idea Lab, early-stage teams often need mentors who can help refine ideas, test assumptions, and build a first prototype. In ISHOW, later-stage ventures benefit from experts who understand manufacturing, validation, and market entry. Wherever your strengths lie, there’s a place for you to make an impact.
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"Invention based companies actually do tend to be high growth businesses and so they create jobs.... If we’re going to achieve those outcomes, we need to create the ecosystems by which ideas, inventions can be taken forward into products and businesses. "
- Carol Dahl, past Executive Director
The Lemelson Foundation
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"[I've] had the experience of being both a competitor and a judge.... Winning the ISHOW in 2015 was our first 'big break' as a start-up, really giving the technology and team credibility that has since enabled them to be extremely successful. As a judge, I have see so many promising teams that remind me of the early days of the startup and I am blown away each year with their creativity, determination, and ingenuity in tackling difficult social problems through hardware-led innovations."
- Maha Haji, Assistant Professor
University of Michigan
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Experts are professionals with relevant skills or experience in one or more areas of product design, development, or implementation. This could be engineering, industrial design, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, user research, or sector-specific expertise (health, WASH, energy, etc.). What matters most is a willingness to share knowledge and support ventures in building impactful solutions.
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We align experts with ventures based on their areas of expertise and the venture’s current challenges. This could mean joining an ISHOW expert assessment team, providing one-on-one advice, or leading a workshop where your skills are most relevant.
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Commitment is flexible, but typically includes ~1-2 days for an ISHOW regional event and ~2 hours for the Idea Lab kickoff or Closing Ceremony. These estimates are just a ballpark and may vary between in person and virtual event formats. Additional advising opportunities are optional and based on your availability.
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Not necessarily. Many engagements are virtual, though attending an ISHOW regional event in person can be especially rewarding. Travel is not required unless you choose to participate on-site.
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Yes. Experts volunteer their time and knowledge to support ventures. In return, they gain professional development, visibility, and the opportunity to be part of a global network shaping meaningful innovation.
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Start by filling out the Expert Cohort interest form. The ASME team will review your background and schedule a brief call to learn more about your expertise and interests. After that, you’ll be added to our network and notified as opportunities arise. There is no obligation to participate if you’re contacted. Engagement is always flexible and based on your availability.
NOTE: It may take several weeks, or several months for us to reach out, depending on our capacity. So please be patient and thanks for your interest!
Need more information?
Still have questions about getting involved? Explore these FAQs or reach out to our team for more details.
Partners & Sponsors
