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Welcome to the November Edition of GIGinsights! 🪵🌸
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This month, we’re excited to bring you key updates from the GIG community, including our participation in major events like the AfriLabs Annual Gathering and the release of the AI Series Community Calls Playlist. We’re also spotlighting member-led projects such as the Smart Repairs Project in Ivory Coast and the BiodiverCity initiative showcased at Fab24.
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In our Special Dedication, we continue introducing new GIG members and their stories. Don’t miss our roundup of opportunities, including open calls, fellowships, and scholarships that are perfect for changemakers looking to engage and grow. Plus, explore insightful reads and watch our recommended content in the General Knowledge Spotlight.
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Stay connected, get inspired, and delve into this edition’s stories, events, and updates!
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General Updates From the GIG Community and Team Members 📰
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AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2024
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This year’s AfriLabs Annual Gathering in Cape Town, themed “Uniting Innovation,” served as a pivotal convergence for African and global innovators. The event hosted a dedicated makerspace track for the first time, with GIG contributing to its creation. Over three days, participants attended panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions designed to catalyze cross-border synergies and foster investments in Africa's digital economy. GIG’s own Geraldine hosted the "Makerspaces, Policy Recommendations, and Business Models" session presented on the main stage, and Fadia moderated a panel on "The Importance of Establishing a Makerspaces Network in Africa."
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mAkErverse – Makerspace Ecosystem Gathering
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Taking place on November 12-13 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, at Innovation City, Cape Town, this gathering promises two days of creativity, innovation, and collaboration. Organized by GIG and mAkE Project partners, the event celebrates the African-European Maker Innovation Ecosystem, supported by the European Horizon 2020 programme.
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The mAkErverse – Makerspace Ecosystem Gathering brings together makers, creators, and innovators from across the continent to share ideas, develop new skills, and network with like-minded individuals. It’s the perfect platform to connect with the community, explore emerging technologies, and showcase innovative projects.
Learn More
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AI Series Community Calls Playlist Now Available
The AI Community Calls Series was truly innovative and eye-opening for GIG members who attended. Special thanks to Kersi Ruth Wissenbach and CultivaLab for their invaluable collaboration on the ideation and conceptualization of some episodes, as well as their expert moderation. The series has now concluded, and the episodes are available for you to watch through the YouTube playlist. We’re already looking forward to the next series! If you have ideas for future topics, reach out to us at [email protected].
Access the playlist here
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Mobio MicroMuseum: Monterrey's BiodiverCity Initiative at Fab24
The "Mobio" initiative, part of the Fab City Challenge's BiodiverCities program, united international makers and local communities in Monterrey to promote coexistence with biodiversity. The project resulted in a modular mini museum showcasing local ecosystems, integrating digital fabrication and educational tools. Leyla Yunis and Saad Akhtar Chinoy, GIG members, contributed significantly to this collaborative endeavor. The initiative fostered global-local connections, citizen science, and public engagement, emphasizing sustainable living and ecosystem awareness. The exhibit's unveiling at FAB24 symbolized its lasting impact on conservation and community.
LinkTree for all Links
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Smart Repairs Project | Ivory Coast
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Initiated by GIG Member Dodji Honou, Smart Repairs Project is dedicated to promoting electronic repair in Ivory Coast, with a focus on smartphones and connected devices. This initiative trains both experienced and aspiring technicians in advanced hardware repair, software troubleshooting, and device unlocking, using modern diagnostic tools and repair methods. By fostering a collaborative network of repair professionals, the project reduces electronic waste, promotes sustainability, and creates job opportunities, contributing to community empowerment and inclusivity.
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ReFFAO and the mAkE Project: Future Collaborations and Technical Advancements
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Jessica Nguema Metoule delivered a talk on the mAkE project, showcasing future collaboration opportunities for ReFFAO members. Her presentation detailed the development of technical tools designed for makerspaces, entrepreneurs, start-ups, and SMEs across Africa and Europe, emphasizing how these innovations support growth and connectivity in both regions.
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FabLab Nepal
We’re excited to share that GIG member-led Fab Foundation Nepal has been officially registered as an NGO. Dedicated to fostering innovation through FabLabs in underserved areas across Nepal, Fab Foundation Nepal’s mission is to provide access to diverse tools and knowledge that encourage education, innovation, and invention. By leveraging digital fabrication laboratories, they aim to build skills, develop capabilities, and create opportunities that contribute to an improved quality of life in Nepal.
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Fab Foundation Nepal is currently seeking collaborations and funding opportunities to bring this vision to life. If you’re looking to support impactful projects and empower local communities, reach out to Pradita to learn more and get involved.
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Special Dedication: Newly Nominated Members (Part II) 🎉
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Last month, we introduced the first set of our newly nominated members for this quarter. We are thrilled to continue this by sharing the next group of incredible individuals joining the GIG community. Get to know them below, and stay tuned for more in future updates!
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If you missed last month's issue and want to catch up on the first set of new members and more, you can check it out here.
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Freelance Engineer, England
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Systems Engineer, Tanzania
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Social Entrepreneur, Germany
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Events and Opportunities 🌐
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Events:
Opportunities:
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PhD Candidate Opening at Utrecht University
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Research project on public education, Big Tech, and AI. Deadline: 15th November
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CIVICUS Grant for Local Global South Civil Society Organizations
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For civil society organizations advancing inclusive democracy and civic space. Deadline: 17th November
Apply here
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Next Generation Internet Open Call
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Final open call for partnerships dependent on US/Canada collaboration. Deadline: 25th November - at 17:00 CEST
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Call for 2025 Distributed Design Publication Contributors
Seeking professionals to support EUI-Innovative Actions projects. Deadline: 15th October.
More info
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Democratizing Digital Farming Project
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Open call for consortia including an Agricultural Digital Solutions (ADS) provider and an end-user (e.g., a farm or agrifood production organization). Deadline: 2nd December
Apply here
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E4I Academy Applications Open
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A finishing school for African technical/engineering students and graduates with a focus on production and SME manufacturing. Courses include Product Design & 3D Printing, CNC Machining & Laser Cutting, and more. Scholarships are available. Second Cohort Start: January 2025
More information
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General Knowledge Spotlight 💡
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The Economics of AI Development
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Delve into an in-depth article discussing the economic impacts and historical parallels of AI development. Gain insights into how AI is shaping economies and what lessons can be drawn from history.
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Reflecting on Super Typhoon Carina
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GIG member Rosanna shares a personal and moving piece about the impact of Super Typhoon Carina that struck on July 24th. Her reflections bring attention to resilience, loss, and community recovery.
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FAB24 Inauguration: Symposium on Technology 5.0
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Explore the thought-provoking discussions from the FAB24 Inauguration, which focused on Technology 5.0 and its implications for the future.
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Join us in empowering innovators and building a more inclusive, innovative future. Your support helps strengthen the Global Innovation Gathering (GIG) network, ensuring sustainability and fostering a global innovation ecosystem.
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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 🌟
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Individuals: Become a Supporting Member starting at 30 EUR per year, with higher contributions encouraged based on your means.
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Organizations: Suggested annual donations start at 300 EUR for smaller entities and 3000 EUR for larger organizations.
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👀 Stay tuned for more exciting updates next month! 💌
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