MakerBucks

This program is open for current WPI students who are passionate about building new products and have an idea for innovative technology. 

• All WPI students (undergrad and graduate) are eligible to apply
• Teams will be given preference (individual applicants will be considered). At least one student in the team must be a Full User in the Makerspace (for 3D Printing related efforts) 
• Multi-departmental collaborations will be given preference
• MQP Projects: MQP proposals will be considered, provided there is a clear distinction of how MakerBucks funds will be used to accomplish more than existing MQP objectives. 
• Funds must only be used for tools and materials to build the prototype (not to pay a 3rd party to do your work) 

All students participating in the program have to be in good academic standing.

WPI MakerBucks operates on a rolling cohort model. Students can apply during any time of the academic year. Each MakerBucks participant is required to sign the MakerBucks Student Agreement and commits to the following:

• Attend a virtual Kick-off Meeting
• Attend an in-person half-way status meeting with your Mentor
• Deliverables:
  • Contribute to a simple "How-To" page detailing your project journey, including pictures and reflections, as provided in the template.
    • This is not required for entrepreneurial efforts where your project might involve intellectual property (IP) or other commercial intent. In such cases, please detail this in your application.
    • Videos are optional but can enhance your documentation. Videos are mandatory if contributing to a How-To page is not feasible.
• Attend a showcase at the end of your academic year (optional).
• Follow proper reimbursement policies and procedures and submit all eligible expense reports with receipts by the project's end date as stated in your application.
• Utilize Makerspace resources provided to support your project.

Submit an online application and provide:

• A short description of your project that can be shared publicly.
• Details of team members and their skills.
• A description of achievements to date (if any).
• A tentative budget plan showing how you will use the funds. If requesting over $200, please provide more detailed justification.
• A completion deadline by which you expect to finish the project (all eligible expenses should be submitted by this date).
• For MQP and academic projects: Specify how MakerBucks funding will be used to achieve objectives beyond the existing project scope.

The funding that you are given is distributed through reimbursements.

• Reimbursement typically takes 2-3 weeks to process.
• For 3D Printing related efforts, funds may be released through a 3DPrinterOS account balance.

Awarded teams/ individuals have access to:

• Workshops: On-demand workshops focused on best practices in prototyping- Design for FDM, Hardware-Software Interfacing, Mentoring sessions, and more.
• Equipment: Teams will be given access to experts across WPI who can provide access to equipment and tools (additional training may be required)
• Continued Funding: Projects may be eligible for continued funding through different programs if applicable.

To help you prepare a budget for your application, please follow these guidelines for permitted use of funds:

Allowed Expenses

Purchases must have been made after the award notification and before the end of the project date:

•    Makerspace Services: Including 3D printing, laser cutting materials, PCB boards, and other supplies.
•    Hardware parts & materials.
•    Software licenses (if they can’t be obtained for free).
•    Other expenses may be considered if not listed below. If in doubt, please check before purchasing.

Expenses That Are Not Allowed:

• Gifts, alcohol, and items not directly related to the project.
• Team dinners, meals, outings.
• Taxes, including sales tax and franchise taxes.
• Personal computers, tablets, or smartphones. We can work with you to provide AWS and Google Cloud credits if needed for product development.
• Education courses outside of WPI.
• Legal fees.
• Coworking space rental. WPI offers numerous places to meet and work together.
• Uber, Lyft, or other private transportation. Teams should use public transportation in the local area.
• Outside developers and contractors.

• No Equity Taken: WPI’s Makerspace does not take equity in student projects and companies.
• Intellectual Property Rights: Students and teams do not give up any rights to intellectual property (IP) through participation in the program.
• Community Support: Funding for WPI Makerspace MakerBucks (and other programs) is possible because of the deep commitment of alumni and friends to WPI’s mission, such as the Women’s Impact Network.
• Pay It Forward: If you'd like to give back, consider joining Gompei’s Circle. It's a pledge to remember WPI in the future and support programs like the WPI Makerspace MakerBucks Fund.

For additional information, please contact our Makerspace staff at makerspace@wpi.edu