In a unique collaboration between two nonprofit organizations, Autodesk Foundation has invested in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)’s Engineering for Change (E4C) Research Fellowship Program, doubling the 2021 cohort from 25 to 50 fellows and expanding the reach and impact of Autodesk Foundation’s Impact Internship Program.

Autodesk Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Autodesk, Inc., a global developer of design software for the architecture, engineering, construction, media and entertainment, and manufacturing industries. Autodesk Foundation allocates resources, including capital, technology, and industry expertise, toward creating a more sustainable and equitable future.

Autodesk Foundation’s Impact Internship program connects innovators and entrepreneurs in the Autodesk Foundation portfolio with emerging engineers.

This combined internship initiative gives more emerging engineers the opportunity to apply their technical expertise to solving some of the world’s most pressing social and environmental issues, while also developing leadership skills and advancing career readiness. This year, E4Chas received nearly 650 applications from interested candidates in 80 countries – an increase of 50% compared with the previous year. 

E4C’s Fellows will be matched with Autodesk Foundation portfolio organizations on projects that address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Projects include proving the affordability of greenhouses for small shareholder farmers in India, product design of electric motorbikes, and developing a holistic design approach for sustainable construction projects.

Fellows advance their career path through 400 hours of research, 30 hours of networking online with their peers and expert advisors, and 30 hours of learning modules designed to enhance their knowledge in the sector. In addition, the Autodesk Foundation will provide software training to the Fellows as needed for their research collaborations, on Autodesk tools including AutoCAD, BIM 360, Dynamo, Revit, Inventor, and Fusion 360. Fellows publish the results of their technical research, expert interviews, and share their insights on E4C’s online platform, reaching a global community of more than one million innovators and influencers in sustainable development.

“Autodesk Foundation’s substantial investment in this signature ASME philanthropic initiative is a powerful endorsement of our mission to advance engineering for the benefit of humanity,” said Kathleen Lobb, managing director of ASME philanthropy and executive director of the ASME Foundation. “E4C Fellowships are a mainstay of our Engineering Global Development portfolio, which is just one of the ways ASME and the ASME Foundation inspire, engage, and empower next generation engineers.”

"We are proud to collaborate with ASME and E4C on Autodesk Foundation's Impact Internship Program this year. With ASME and E4C's expertise and network, we're able to connect our portfolio with a global cohort of emerging engineers to solve some of the world's most pressing social and environmental problems," said Christine Stoner, head of engagement at Autodesk Foundation.

Since 2016, the E4C Research Fellowship has provided opportunities for 86 fellows from 23 countries to create social impact. The highly competitive program attracts hundreds of applicants each year. More than half of all E4C Fellows are women, addressing the critical need to expand diversity in engineering for sustainable development where only 13 percent of engineers are women.