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Welcome to October'25 Edition of GIGinsights!
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Autumn is in full swing, and so is the incredible work happening across the GIG community! 🍂
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From co-designing the future of library makerspaces in Reykjavík to transforming plastic waste into urban furniture in Brazil, the GIG network continues to show that collaborative innovation knows no borders. This season brings us inspiring stories of rural mobility solutions in Kenya and critical conversations about clean water access and ancestral knowledge — all reminding us that innovation is about so much more than just tools and tech.
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Ready to dive into the latest highlights from our global network? Let's explore what we've been building together! 🌍
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General Updates From the GIG Community and Team Members 📰
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GIG in Reykjavík: Co-designing library makerspace futures
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In September, GIG joined partners from the make-a-thek project in Reykjavík for an inspiring in-person exchange hosted by Public Libraries 2030 and the Gerðuberg Library. Together, we explored the co-design process for future make-a-thek makerspaces through interactive sessions on user journeys, personas, and impact evaluation with Opendot, Fashion Revolution Germany, and Zentrum für Soziale Innovation (ZSI) among others. The meeting strengthened collaboration across nine pilot libraries and set the stage for upcoming community activations, including the Creative Mending workshop led by textile artist Emma Shannon—a reflection of how making, repair, and storytelling can drive inclusive, circular innovation in libraries.
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Community Call recap: Digital fabrication meets ancestral knowledge
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Organised under the make-a-thek project, GIG hosted its first-ever Spanish-language community call in September, exploring how digital fabrication intersects with ancestral knowledge across Latin America. Key insights include how technology should enhance rather than replace traditional practices, co-creation is essential for effective solutions, and IP frameworks must protect communities through concepts like "Communalidad"—collective ownership that safeguards ancestral knowledge from biopiracy. The session reinforced that sustainable innovation requires long-term relationships, trust-building, and centering artisans as decision-makers in the process.
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Community Call recap: Open-source water solutions
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The latest GIG community call explored water access challenges in rural and coastal regions!💧 During the call, we discussed a portable solar-powered reverse osmosis system, highlighting how GIG members collaborate across borders to adapt solutions locally. Key takeaways include prioritising adaptation over replication, investing in quality open-source designs to rebuild trust, and treating documentation as essential infrastructure for knowledge sharing. This work isn't just about devices—it's about building systems of care and shared learning. Thank you to everyone who joined!
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FabLab Winam x Toyota: When local innovation meets global mobility expertise
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At GIG, we love celebrating our members' inspiring achievements! This year, we witnessed an extraordinary story: a collaboration between GIG member Martin Oloo from FabLab Winam and Toyota Motor Corporation Japan that's transforming rural mobility across Africa. To address daily transportation challenges in Kenya, FabLab Winam and Toyota created a revolutionary kinetic seat that mimics spine movement—dramatically reducing head movement and enhancing comfort. Instead of lowering vehicle costs, they improved accessible farming wagons using plywood CNC milling, recycled car seat belts ♻️, and "FabLab-able" materials—keeping costs low and manufacturing local.
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Hub highlight: Casa Criatura tackles plastic waste in Brazil
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Longtime GIG hub member Casa Criatura’s Cirandar initiative engages communities in Brazil to transform plastic waste into urban furniture through circular design and environmental education. Operating across Olinda, Recife, and Fernando de Noronha, the project integrates waste picker cooperatives with open-source tools, combining hands-on training, recycled material processing, and public space installations to promote sustainable production. Aligned with national waste policies, Cirandar now aims to expand its impact to remote areas through mobile recycling labs.
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Member Spotlight: Impact in Action
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Showcasing the impact-driven work of GIG's global community of changemakers
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Together with Tchibo and Helmut Schmidt University in Hamburg, Michel has been working on the exciting LOCILAMP project, which demonstrates sustainable production through an open-source circular lamp design. The project tests scalable, participatory production models involving citizens, businesses, and researchers. Learn more about the project here.
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Derrick and his team at the I.O.Me254 FabLabs have been actively involved in plastic waste management and recycling activities at their labs in Kenya's coastal counties of Lamu and Mombasa. They are interested in finding open solutions for humanitarian technology, including WASH, food security, and disaster response. Learn more here.
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Vaibhav and his team at Maker's Asylum are running a research project in Goa's rivers to identify the locations of abandoned ("ghost") fishing nets that continue to pose a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems. Equipped with advanced imaging and sensing technologies, they are developing a system to detect ghost nets underwater. Learn about the project here.
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Events:
The world's largest social enterprise gathering bringing together entrepreneurs, innovators and changemakers from around the world. It offers options for in-person attendance, online participation, or joining via Community Hubs globally.
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Africa's flagship civic innovation conference brings together changemakers and policy leaders to explore how civic tech and AI can transform governance and public participation.
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In its 17th edition alongside COP30, this forum unites governments and investors with grassroots practitioners and problem-solvers to accelerate climate action through innovation and partnership.
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Gather with curious and creative minds for three days of workshops, debates, and hands-on collaboration to reimagine the role of technology in our lives.
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Opportunities:
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This initiative supports early-stage startups in emerging economies developing climate solutions that protect children's health. Selected ventures receive technical mentorship, open-source guidance, and access to global platforms for investment readiness.
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Deadline: 21st October2025
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This grant supports civil society organisations in Commonwealth member states working on health justice, climate justice, and freedom of expression. Projects must facilitate constructive engagement between civil society and policymakers with integrated gender considerations.
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Deadline: 23rd October2025
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Grants for projects in genetics, nutrition, environment protection, and sustainable development in Belgium and internationally. Special focus given to projects benefiting women and minorities, particularly Women in STEM scholarships.
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Deadline: 24th October 2025
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A global competition recognising digital solutions creating positive social impact, created by young founders under 26 years old. Winners receive access to WSA Global Congress, mentorship opportunities, and connections with investors advancing UN SDGs.
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Deadline: 31st October 2025
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A 12-week virtual learning program equipping social innovators, NGO leaders, and development practitioners across Africa with entrepreneurial and innovation skills.
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Deadline: 31st October 2025
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European Commission-funded grants for internet commons development across the technology spectrum. Projects must use free or open source licenses, promoting digital security and public ownership of internet infrastructure with scale-up potential.
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Deadline: 1st December 2025
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This fund provides $100,000-$250,000 in seed investment and strategic advisory support to early-stage social enterprises in South Asia, Africa, and Latin America that leverage women's critical role in communities to create scalable impact for women and girls.
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Deadline: Rolling applications
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Support GIG 🎯
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We invite you to join us in driving innovation for social impact worldwide as a supporting member.
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Why Support GIG? 🤝
- Drive long-term growth and sustainability for a global network of innovators.
- Promote inclusive, sustainable innovation through knowledge exchange and learning.
- Advance open hardware research and distributed manufacturing.
- Strengthen grassroots climate resilience efforts worldwide.
Ways to Support 🌟
Here are the suggested annual contributions:
Small Organisations: €300
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For organisations with fewer than 50 employees or under €1 million budget
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Large Organisations: €3,000+
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For organisations with 50+ employees or €1 million+ budget
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Contribute now or contact us to learn how your support can help social innovators create lasting change in communities worldwide.
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👀 Stay tuned for more exciting updates next month! 💌
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