[contact]

[sbutler-gh]

I'm Sam. I'm really interested in your work in open source and open hardware. I've been leading projects related to funding in open-source and business models, and I'm very motivated around the possibilities for sustainability and localized production from open hardware — around things like cargo bikes, batteries, water / food / energy infrastructure, and waste management (e.g. Precious Plastic).

I would like to

• Talk with you and introduce, learn more about Open Make and the Open Hardware Observatory and the current state of these projects, and any areas you are looking for support
• Explore collaboration to support more open making in places around the world — specifically around consumer goods like cargo bikes, solar water heaters, batteries — including funding and organizational models that could support development across a network

You can see more of my work here: https://sambutler.us, as well as example of funding explorations here

[jcolomb]

Dear Sam, very sorry about the very late answer here, unclarity about who should answer was the issue. Thank you for reaching out. Your work seems very impressive. Our project is focusing on research hardware (in academia), which is something you seem not to be involved with, right?

Would you see some bridges between open source hardware business models and funding on one side, and academia on the other side? Do you have experience or example in that topic ?

On the other hand, is there any point in our work you find particularly valuable for your work? Best

[sbutler-gh]

Hi Julien, thank you for getting back! I'm not sure exactly about bridges — but if possible, I would love to have a conversation and introduce, and learn more about your work on the academic side of hardware. Perhaps we could arrange something like that? Any upcoming windows that could suit you?