June 19, 2014 · IGG

President Obama Lauds Indiegogo, Maker Community

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Guest Author Jerry Needel is Indiegogo’s Head of Growth. This week, he traveled to Washington to take part in the White House Maker Faire on behalf of Indiegogo’s own Maker community.

We spend most of our time at Indiegogo focusing on how we can empower people to turn their ideas into reality. So it was a real thrill when I had the opportunity yesterday‎ to attend the White House Maker Faire, which celebrated America’s dreamers, thinkers, and doers. Among the many inspiring inventors I met, I also finally shook hands with Scott and Julie Brusaw of Sagle, Idaho, whose Solar Roadways campaign on Indiegogo is about to become our most-funded campaign ever.

President Obama’s commitment to innovation is influential. And as he put it:

“The private sector is stepping up as well. From Indiegogo and Etsy to Disney and Intel, companies have plans to unleash a new wave of innovation here in America. These companies do different things, they come from different industries, but they share the belief that when we tap the potential of every American, all of us are better off.”

I couldn’t have said it better. We believe that when the crowd is empowered to put its money where its interests lie, the resulting projects truly speak to the best interests of a global community. As part of our commitment to helping makers and inventors everywhere, we’ve partnered with Amazon and Autodesk for Indiegogo’s own Maker Challenge, running now through July 16, 2014.

20140618161651-WH_-_Blue_Room_3_-_resized Julie & Scott of Solar Roadways in The Blue Room

Nearly two dozen maker campaigns have already entered the Maker Challenge to share their work with the world, including CreoPop, the world’s first 3D pen with cool ink, and Sensibo, a nifty device that makes any air conditioner smart. All qualified campaigns have a chance at receiving prize packages from both Amazon and Autodesk that include product development mentorship.

Take a look at all the Maker Challenge campaigns now and see why this community is so vital to innovation. Also, be sure to check back in on July 25 for Amazon and Autodesk to announce their prize package recipients. Go makers go!

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