Call: Open Research Hardware Stimulation Fund Program

• Do you have a design concept and/or prototypes that you would like to improve and engineer with design engineers at DEMO? DEMO is the electronic and mechanical support division of the TU Delft. More info can be found at www.tudelft.nl/demo.
• Have you developed a design and you think you could benefit from best practices regarding open hardware documentation to make your project or object more reproducible and reusable?
• Have you developed projects with DEMO and would like to make them available in an open source way?
• Have you submitted a patent application that is not patentable, but still holds value if it would be available to the public?
• Would you like to learn how open source (hardware) projects are developed, foster open collaboration and create scientific and societal impact?
• Would you like your master students, bachelor students and PhDs to develop open research hardware?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, our program, open online educational resources and funding scheme is designed to address such interests and motivations. We have available funding to hire TAs to help you out.

Criteria for Proposal Submission

• Clear Assignments: Proposals should outline clear assignments that can be developed by a Teaching Assistant (TA) or a group of TAs within a specified time frame (minimum 3 months, maximum 1 year).
• Documentation and Openness: Projects involving the documentation and opening of existing hardware using standard open source hardware licenses will be prioritized.
• Reward Structure: Funding of up to €5,000 is available, primarily allocated towards TA wages and material costs. Larger material or equipment costs may also be fully covered if justified within the scope of the proposal.
• PhD Involvement: PhD candidates are encouraged to supervise projects and commit 4 to 8 hours per week during the project period.

Who can apply?

• Researchers, supervisors, and principal investigators (PIs) involved in supervising Master, Honors Bachelor, and Honors Master theses.
• PhD candidates interested in supervising a Master's student.
• Other TU Delft staff like lab technicians or technologists leading hardware development projects.

How to apply?

• Fill in the application form.
• Intake Meeting: If serving as the main applicant, supervisors must attend an intake meeting to discuss project details.
• Utilize Office Hours: Take advantage of Friday office hours for project guidance and support.

Funded Project Requirements

• Attend Monthly Seminars: Applicants or project team members are required to attend monthly office hour seminars focused on supporting and executing open hardware projects.
• A midterm showcase will be organized during project development, potentially during one of the monthly seminars to share project progress.
• A final presentation showcasing project outcomes will be held at the conclusion of the program.