I really loved the snippet of the blog that talks about bringing Maker community fundamentals (rapid execution, interdisciplinary collaboration, etc.) to an academic setting.
I might be oversimplifying, but I like the idea of bringing together researchers from different backgrounds (general community, open source community, academic, etc.), putting them in a program where all contribution has equal value, and seeing what happens.
^^ the thing that jumps out at me -- and what makes AMRI unique -- is that there isn't the snootiness of academic pedigree. The program is focused on outcomes.