Autodesk to Accelerate Design-Led Revolution

Autodesk launched the Autodesk Foundation, which will invest in and support the nonprofit organizations using the power of design to help solve epic challenges. In partnership with the company, Autodesk Foundation will provide select design-oriented grantees with software, training and financial support.

Impact design focuses on generating significant, measurable progress toward solving today's epic challenges—access to healthcare and education, clean energy and water, efficient transportation and others. Through the foundation's Impact Design Program, carefully selected nonprofits will receive funding and, in partnership with Autodesk, the software and training to create solutions that address these challenges.

Also read: Autodesk Partnership Solves Epic Challenges With Design

One of the program's first grantees is KickStart International. KickStart designs simple agricultural irrigation tools that help African farmers start profitable businesses and rise out of poverty. Others include Mass Design Group, which designs health facilities in parts of the world where they're needed most; D-Rev, which designs and develops devices and products to improve the health and income of people living on less than $4 a day; and the Rural Studio at Auburn University, which has a 20K House program that challenges students to design energy-efficient homes that can be built for $20,000.