GIG WEEK 2026 | May 14–25, 2026
Calling all GIG members! Join us for 12 days of innovation, collaboration, and community during GIG Week 2026.
As we come together for our annual GIG Gathering in Berlin, we are thrilled to curate the Makerspace at re:publica as a platform for showcasing your work at Europe’s biggest festival on digital society. Experience inspiring workshops and discussions, and build connections that will shape the open hardware movement.
Key Milestones
Mark these important dates on your calendar
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Dec 17
Community Call
Makerspace Co-Creation session at 14:00 CET
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Dec 21
OHS CfP Deadline
Open Hardware Summit submissions close
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Jan 15
re:publica CfP
Final deadline for re:publica submissions
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February
Visa & Travel
Book appointments and arrange travel
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March
CfP Results
Acceptances announced
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May 14–25
GIG Week!
The main event in Berlin
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GIG WEEK 2026 AGENDA
May 14:
| Arrival Day |
| Welcome to Berlin! Check in, settle into the city, and meet fellow GIG members. |
May 15–16:
| GIG Weekend |
| Theme: Crisis Resilient Community Innovation Inspiring workshops, community meetups, and celebrations. A time to connect deeply with the GIG community before re:publica. |
May 18–20:
| re:publica Conference |
| Theme: Never Gonna Give You Up Three days at Europe’s biggest festival on digital society. Experience the Makerspace in full swing with workshops, exhibitions, and thousands of visitors. |
May 21:
| Berlin Innovation Ecosystem Day |
| Join us in a city tour showcasing the local maker and tech ecosystem. Explore Berlin’s vibrant innovation scene with the GIG community. |
May 22:
| Collaboration Day: Discussions & Meetings |
| Dedicated time for in-depth discussions and brainstorming sessions geared towards collaboration. |
May 23–24:
| Open Hardware Summit 2026 |
| Organized by the Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA), this summit brings together the international open hardware community. The two-day program offers panels, hands-on workshops, and exhibitions covering electronics, mechanics, digital fabrication, and creative technologies. |
May 25:
| Departure Day |
| Safe travels home! Until we meet again at the next GIG gathering. |
Essential Information
Everything you need to know to participate
About GIG & re:publica:
GIG has been deeply connected to re:publica for over 13 years. Every year, we co-create the Makerspace: a vibrant, community-driven space for teaching, learning, and showcasing hands-on skills. The Makerspace thrives because of contributions from GIG members worldwide, making it a unique platform at Europe’s biggest festival on digital society.
Visa & Travel Support:
Check your passport validity and book visa appointments early at your local German Embassy (recommended in February). Late appointments have prevented attendance in previous years.
Need a letter of invitation? Contact us as early as possible. As a general rule, try to self-fund travel. We provide letters of recommendation and may offer limited support—contact us in writing in February if interested.
We can’t wait to see you in Berlin!
