Founded in 2013, GIG drives measurable social impact through innovation and transparent partnerships for sustainable global development.
Our vision is to create impact through open innovation, inclusive knowledge exchange, and equitable cooperation amongst partners in the Global South and Global North. We harness the potential of grassroots innovation to address complex social challenges, creating lasting change for communities from the bottom-up.
In the last decade, we have facilitated multiple open innovation projects, maintaining alignment with partners through shared goal-setting, regular impact assessment, and collaborative decision-making.
Appropedia
Appropedia, a 17-year-old online archive, is a crucial resource for sustainable development. Focusing on appropriate technology and circularity, it serves as a knowledge hub for international aid. Appropedia has created a living resource library, empowering progress towards a sustainable future.
Cooperation spotlights
Together, we co-create social innovation futures
Tolocar: Strengthening Ukrainian open hardware innovation
The Tolocar project brought together Ukrainian and international maker communities to develop open hardware solutions for community-driven reconstruction and rehabilitation needs in Ukraine. This project is implemented on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
Results
The results of the project focused on community engagement, innovative prototypes, and valuable knowledge resources and tools.
- Connected 10+ Ukrainian makers with global innovation communities, with 4 makers joining GIG's international network, fostering sustainable knowledge exchange and collaboration.
- Developed 6 proof-of-concept solutions including an IoT Training Kit, a Water Filtration System, and more.
- Created 7 knowledge transfer materials to enable wider community adoption, including the strategic Tolocar Playbook and a practical toolkit for Compact Biodigester implementation.
Librewater
Librewater's innovative water purification technology offers a robust, low-cost solution powered by thermal energy. Its modular design is adapatable for diverse user needs and environments. Librewater fosters ongoing collaboration among users, scientists, makers, and entrepreneurs.
LabStorm: Fostering climate resilience innovation in Brazil
The LabStorm citizen innovation project brought together diverse participants in in Olinda, Brazil to prototype solutions for climate emergencies. The initiative was funded by Stiftung Nord-Süd-Brücken (NSB), in partnership with Procomum Institute and Casa Criatura, an urban innovation hub in Olinda, Brazil.
Results
The project successfully mobilised the community in Olinda, Brazil, engaging groups most impacted by climate change and showcasing the potential of citizen-driven innovation in addressing environmental challenges.
- Reached at least 900 people from diverse target demographics with a focus on vulnerable populations.
- Developed 5 innovative climate change prototypes, including Casa Guardiã, a space for preserving ancestral knowledge, and a waterproof device for protecting goods in flood-prone areas.
- All project materials and prototypes were shared under Creative Commons licensing to enable broader community adoption in other territories.
mAkE: Empowering the European maker innovation ecosystem
The mAkE project connects African and European makerspaces to foster smart production innovations adapted to local needs. Implemented under Horizon 2020 funding, the project explores makerspace sustainability and impact, while strengthening African-European maker innovation networks.
RESULTS
The mAkE project has driven significant impact through its development of ecosystem resources, knowledge-sharing sessions, and programs.
- Launched the Makers-in-Residency Program connecting African makers with European makerspaces for month-long hardware prototyping and skill development residencies.
- Developed 14 ecosystem resources, including policy recommendations, MOOCs, open makerspace toolkits, venture buidling handbooks, and more.
- Faciitated over 20 knowledge-sharing sessions focusing on social innovation and community business models.
A strong network
Our partners and sponsors
A growing number of sponsors and partners support GIG's social innovation work on important topics like climate resilience and fair education through donations and project-based funding. Our diverse partners showcase the breadth of our collaborative network.
Support GIG's community of change makers.
We invite potential collaborators to partner with us to empower innovators worldwide driving sustainable futures.
Our team would love to explore how we can create lasting impact with you.
BENEFITS FOR SUPPORTERS:
- Meet The Members: Partake in our “Meet the Members” sessions, and tap into our members' expertise.
- Community Talks: Participate in online thematic discussions, typically initiated when members express interest in a common topic.
- Be Connected: Share partnership opportunities and expertise requests with the GIG community, and engage in innovative collaborations.
& more!
