GIG WEEK 2026 | May 14–25, 2026
Towards Community Resilience
This year, GIG Week celebrates open innovation and global collaboration towards community resilience. Experience a rich program featuring two vibrant GIG community days that bring members together for inspiration and learning, alongside partner events like re:publica and the Open Hardware Summit.
As we mark GIG’s 10th anniversary as an NGO championing impactful grassroots innovation, we can’t wait to share this milestone with our global community!
GIG Week Highlights
May 14:
| Arrival Day |
| Welcome to Berlin! Check in, settle into the city, and meet fellow GIG members. |
May 15–16:
| GIG Weekend |
| A time to connect deeply with the GIG community before re:publica. Expect inspiring workshops, community meetups, and celebrations under the theme of Crisis Resilient Community Innovation. |
May 18–20:
| re:publica Conference |
| 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.
Be up to date on GIG Week 2026 – subscribe to our community newsletter!
We can’t wait to see you in Berlin!
