FeME’s Represent and Innovate Seed Fund is a new initiative designed to spark inclusive innovation and amplify voices historically underrepresented in engineering.
Part of FeME’s wider mission to reimagine the engineering sector, the Failure Mode 4-powered seed fund supports individuals and teams developing prototypes, pilots, methods, case studies, or practices that strengthen participation and representation across engineering, manufacturing, and technology. The fund aims to generate tangible models of change that demonstrate how engineering can better reflect and better serve the societies it impacts.
The FM4 Seed Fund is open to applicants who:
- Self-identify as belonging to an underrepresented group, or
- Are creating work that positively affects underrepresented communities.
Projects must include community or industry partner involvement, with letters of support encouraged. Early-career researchers and practitioners (within 10 years of experience) are also invited to apply.
This fund supports:
- Inclusive and community-led engineering approaches
- New methods of participation, collaboration, or co-design
- Practices that improve conditions for women, gender minorities, racially minoritised groups, LGBTQ+ communities, disabled and neurodivergent people, and first-generation backgrounds
- Cross-sector best-practice models for equitable engineering
Desen Kirli from Failure Mode 4 says:
“Representation is not optional. It is fundamental to designing lasting engineering solutions that are robust and works for everyone. FeME invests in people and ideas that push the sector forward, ensuring that innovation both comes from and benefits the full diversity of society “
Applications are open, and details including eligibility, budget guidance, and partner requirements are available on the FeME Seed Fund webpage. Deadline is 28th February.
Apply now and help reimagine engineering for a more inclusive, equitable future.