Start your engines, robots, and devices – it's time for a little competition!
The ASME Innovation Showcase (ISHOW) is back and seeking top social innovators from around the world for its 2019 annual competition. This global contest is open to any individual or organization interested in taking a “hardware-led social innovation” to market. Applicants should have an existing prototype and have conducted some initial user outreach. In-person showcase events will take place in:
India—April 4
Kenya—May 9
USA—June 13
Apply now through February 8, 2019 to win a share of US$500K* in prizes and a design and engineering review led by industry experts. Also check out the resources we've curated at the end of this message, specifically to help you through your engineering journey.
Visit www.thisishardware.org to begin your application and follow @ASMEishow on Twitter, and tweet about hardware led social innovation using #thisishardware.
For questions, contact: info@thisishardware.org.
*A total of US$500,000 will be awarded in cash and in-kind services, which includes a cash prize of US$10,000-US$50,000 to each of the nine winners, based on individual need for scaling their respective hardware solution.
Inventor’s Guide
Hardware is hard, but the ASME ISHOW is trying to make it easier by curating resources to inform your engineering journey. We've even created a design & engineering review framework specifically for hardware led social innovation – you will find it below, along with ISHOW FAQs, recommended reading and many more resources.
Maker Spaces Map
There are a growing number of spaces where you can meet fellow hardware innovators and make things. In collaboration with the Ananse Group we have curated a map of incubators, fab-labs, co-working centers and maker spaces.
The Lemelson Foundation's Guide to Impact Inventing
This report focuses on what differentiates an invention-based entrepreneur from traditional entrepreneurs and highlights what support invention-based entrepreneurs require, what resources are available, what ecosystem level gaps remain, and what tangible actions can be taken to fill these gaps.
ASME Global Development Review
Also, check out the ASME Global Development Review (@DemandASME) a case study based publication that is showcasing how engineering & design diligence is solving some of the world’s biggest challenges.
Engineering For Change
E4C’s mission is to prepare, educate and activate the international engineering workforce to improve the quality of life of underserved communities around the world. They provide resources and platforms that accelerate the development of impactful solutions and ensure public health and safety around the globe.
The RAN team, Makerere University is available to support potential applications through the process of emerging best. To receive support, please contact
Harriet Adong / Communications Manager
ResilientAfrica Network (RAN) Makerere University School of Public Health
P.O Box 7072 Kampala, Uganda
Tel: +256-414-343597
Mob: +256-772-470626/ +256-701-100478
Email: hadong[at]ranlab.org
Website: www.ranlab.org
Skype: harriet.adong4
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:
Makerere University and DFCU Bank have today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster innovation, student leadership, research and community impact initiatives.
The collaboration which will see the equipping of the Disability Support center for students living with disabilities through the MAK run and more leadership trainings for students will begin this July.
“The MoU will strengthen research collaborations across sectors like agriculture and health and it will also support the Mutebile Centre to assist private sector growth, which is crucial in lifting Africa out of poverty,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, the DFCU Bank Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the move, noting its alignment with the bank’s mission to transform lives and support national development through four pillars: funding, financial inclusion, enterprise development, and vocational education.
“This MoU crowns years of effort and shared intent between our institutions,” he stated. Mr. Mudiwa highlighted the bank’s commitment to skilling youth through internships, curriculum development, and support for innovation hubs and centres of excellence at the university. “We consume the graduates of Makerere. In our most recent graduate intake of 87, 60% were Makerere alumni. The bank allocates around 30 internship positions annually to equip young people with the skills necessary for future roles within the institution,” Mr. Mudiwa, noted.
Representing the student body, Guild President His Excellency, Sentamu Churchill James, commended the partnership as a timely intervention that will empower youth, support SMEs, and expand internship and leadership development opportunities.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness.
“Students are the heartbeat of the university. This collaboration will empower youth and strengthen their role in national development,” His Excellency Ssentamu, said.
About MAK RUN 2025
The Makerere Run 2025 (#MakRun2025), hosted by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) on 17th August 2025, returns for its fifth edition as Kampala’s premier charity marathon, uniting 8,000+ runners—students, alumni, corporate teams, and elite athletes—to tackle the city’s iconic hills under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.” This landmark event combines competitive racing with transformative impact, channeling proceeds to strengthen Makerere University’s community programs while offering unmatched branding opportunities for partners through Kampala’s largest university-led sporting spectacle.
The Mak Run, scheduled this year for August 17th, is a flagship initiative that mobilizes students, staff, alumni, and partners to raise funds for projects such as the Disability Support Unit and the Student Centre.