Ideablob.com attracts a large number of ideas for social ventures. This one caught my attention as continue as guest advisor for this week. Seeding Labs reclaims and refurbishes laboratory equipment from universities, hospitals and biotechnology companies in order to equip talented scientists and clinicians living and working in the developing world.
Seeding Labs aims to transform the global map of scientific innovation hubs. By refurbishing laboratory equipment from universities and biotechnology companies in the United States, we equip talented scientists working in the developing world and reduce the environmental burden in the U.S. We believe that talent is everywhere, and that scientific research is the key to improvements in education, healthcare, environmental stewardship and a thriving modern economy. Our goal is to help our colleagues pursue the issues that matter most to them, at the same time connecting scientific communities across international borders. Visit us at www.seedinglabs.org.
My advice:
I would build partnerships with universities through their new interest in social entrepreneurship and service learning. Rather than just plug into their research labs, also tie into their academic programs dedicated to either social entrepreneurship and/or service learning.
Social entrepreneurship is popping up all over the country. Some schools have developed single courses, while others have developed full programs (for example, here at Belmont University we will be launching a Social Entrepreneurship major this coming fall).
Service learning is more established in academia. Using this pedagogy professors add service projects to classes that apply what students are learning to real situations that are tied to social issues in the community or around the world. Some schools have campus wide requirements for students to get involved in service learning (Duke just got millions of dollars for such an initiative).
Don’t assume that the research labs on campus interact with social entrepreneurship and service learning programs on their campuses. Universities are notorious for creating academic silos. You may need to create the bridge for them. Once you do, you will not only have access to the laboratory equipment, but to a ready army of skilled and talented volunteers. There is a good chance that they also have access to funding to help with each project.