As a woodworker and pyrographer, Celina Muire, had learned a lesson: though there are numerous government programs and private resources for tech start-ups and artists, far fewer resources are available for those who manufacture artisanal products on an independent level.

She is determined to find a way to empower and encourage makers like herself to thrive in her hometown of Austin, Texas. To realize her dream, Celina has been working with a strong group of makers and entrepreneurs in Austin, Texas to create Hound Makerspace.

Stardust’s grant is buying the DSLR camera and other tools for Hound members’ photo studio.

Ethan Krauss, founder and president of Electron Air, LLC, has a dream: to create the first Ion and electron wind powered craft to carry its power source onboard.

To date, Ethan's prototype designs have demonstrated flight times exceed those of a helicopter of similar weight, with nearly silent flight. Ethan's invention, which is awaiting patent, is a silent and self-contained, which means it can lift its own power source.

Future versions of this technology could be autonomous, fly higher, and be even more powerful.  

Stardust's grant funded an important piece of the updated aircraft that will allow for these progressive changes.

This social venture led by a student group from McGill University aims to increase the food security and spendable income of refugee communities by supplying them with a low-cost direct substitute for firewood: briquettes made of agricultural waste.

The issue of refugees globally is an important one that has received increased public attention most recently. The focus on appropriate and sustainable fuel sources for cooking has wide-reaching social and environmental implications.

Stardust’s grant helped fund their pilot project at the Timagolo refugee camp in Cameroon this summer.

"Hi Stardust Team,

We just wanted to share the news that we won the World Vision pitch to get $30,000!!! Thank you so very much for being the first organization to believe in us. We'll continue working hard to realize our goal.

Best,

The Lumbrick Team"

June 22, 2017

The midsummer social hosted by The Stardust-Startup Factory and ABEM Digital Creations, was in conjunction with business ribbon cutting sponsored by the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce! 

We had live music by Caroline Venters and Sarah Hollis of Carolina Sky and had awesome door prizes (including dinner gift certificates from Blackbeard's Grill & Steam Bar and Crab's Claw Oceanfront Caribbean Restaurant, gift certificates from Tidal Treasures Gift Shop and Atlantic Beach Coffee Shop, as well as two framed photos by Chuck Hill and two wallets handcrafted in Uganda by Unfold.)

Thanks to all of those who joined us!