|
|
|
|
Welcome to the May'25 Edition of GIGinsights!
|
This May, the GIG network is buzzing with transformative and inspiring energy during GIG Week '25!
Taking place 25-30th May in Berlin, our annual in-person community gathering is packed with opportunities to connect, collaborate, and create.
|
From Maker Faire Cairo's milestone 10th edition to community developments carrying forward the mAkE project's legacy, our community continues to build bridges and nurture impactful initiatives worldwide.
|
|
Ready to explore the exciting updates from our global community? Let's dive in! 🌱🔧💡
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General Updates From the GIG Community and Team Members 📰
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GIGers @ re:publica 2025
Annually curated by GIG, the Makerspace at re:publica invites visitors to transition from passive consumers to active creators. In 2025, explore themes of sustainability, AI, and global collaboration alongside GIG members and other makers worldwide in this creative space. Join hands-on workshops on open-source hardware, citizen science, community-based innovation, and more.
The Makerspace also features exhibition areas showcasing innovative prototypes, a dedicated kids maker corner, and a repair café!
|
Check out the Makerspace programme here.
|
Open, Circular, and Regenerative Innovation for a Sustainable Future
For all in Berlin during GIG week, please join us for an inspiring showcase of open, circular, and regenerative innovation from around the world! Supported by the Berlin Senate's Regional Development Cooperation Office, this is an excellent opportunity to connect with social innovators, researchers, and makers who drive meaningful change through open technology solutions, circular design approaches, and regenerative business models.
When: Sunday, 25th May, 12-4pm CEST
Where: Amerika-Gedenkbibliothek, Berlin
Join us for this lovely afternoon of learning, networking, and ideation, and be part of the conversation shaping our future.
|
A New Chapter in Reimagining Public Libraries
Crafting, making, creating and collaborating for a circular tomorrow has begun in Berlin!
Our first make-a-thek community workshop on circular fashion and craft took place. We invited the Berlin fashion and craft scene, makers and actors from the fields of circularity and sustainability to exchange ideas.
In a 1.5-hour workshop, we discussed circular business models, participation formats, material sourcing and recycling in Berlin, and circular approaches to fashion and craft.
What's next? We are selecting the libraries for our pilots and preparing to co-design the pilot makerspaces.
|
African Makerspaces: New Network Officially Registered
As we reflect on the mAkE project's conclusion, we're grateful for the dedication and time from the GIG network and community partners. We're thrilled to announce Africa Makerspaces, a new NPO registered and headquartered in South Africa. Together with founding directors, we are working on some exciting initiatives to carry forward mAkE's legacy. A vibrant website is brewing, the founding directors are ramping up on fundraising, and GIG is supporting it all the way! We look forward to our continued collaboration with the mAkE ecosystem and its makerspace members as this journey unfolds. Stay tuned!
Learn more
|
OSEAS: Advancing Open Source Solutions for Energy Access
The Open Source in Energy Access Symposium (OSEAS) is the only global event dedicated to harnessing open source technologies for universal energy access. Running June 11-13, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya, this second edition connects policymakers, entrepreneurs, and innovators to promote collaborative solutions for equitable energy transition.
Great news! The symposium's organisers will waive attendance fees for GIG members. Interested in attending or contributing? Send your applications to [email protected]. Their mission aligns perfectly with ours—don't miss this opportunity!
Learn more
|
Celebrating Maker Faire Cairo 2025
Maker Faire Cairo 2025 was a landmark event celebrating its 10th edition! The festival embraced a transformational shift, fostering deeper connections and emphasising traditional crafts alongside technology. With a more smaller audience, GIG members played key roles shaping an engaging experience through workshops and panel discussions. International makers added fresh inspiration, while a memorable lunch in Dahshur Village strengthened bonds through local craft and culture. This year's event planted seeds for future regional gatherings, reinforcing community-driven innovation.
See you in Cairo next year!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Events in Berlin around GIG Week'25:
Spring is here, and Berlin is buzzing with creativity and inspiration! For those in town during GIG week, here's a selection of interesting events to check out:
|
Discover innovative climate startups showcase groundbreaking hardware solutions following a seven-month accelerator program.
|
Explore technology and the brain as sites of consciousness and intelligence beyond individualism.
|
This annual unconference and hackathon brings together community network builders to collaborate on open mesh networks and free internet technologies.
|
Participate in events in Berlin, Brussels, and Paris focusing on conservation efforts and sustainability in the Amazon rainforest.
|
Explore innovative public administration approaches from around the world.
|
This two-day forum brings together technologists, researchers, and artists to explore resilient systems design and sustainable funding models for public goods.
|
This technical conference focuses on protocol research and infrastructure with no sponsors or commercial talks, bringing together engineers and researchers.
|
Discover privacy innovations at the Web3 Privacy Hackathon, part of Berlin's vibrant blockchain and web3 community events.
Can't join us this year for GIG week? We'll be sharing remote participation links for our May 30th program very soon!
|
International Events:
This event focuses on urban action and the potential pathways toward a sustainable urban future for African cities.
|
This forum provides a platform for climate leaders and innovators to meet and discuss critical issues regarding the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
|
The only global event dedicated to harnessing open source technologies for universal energy access (see our update above).
|
B-NOMAD permaculture initiative is hosting their yearly festival of workshops related to nomad permaculture and regenerative conscience.
|
Opportunities:
|
Global Fishing Watch sponsors this program to enhance ocean governance by sharing data on human activity at sea. Researchers worldwide are invited to improve core technologies and apply them to ocean governance research. The grant is open to various researchers, students, and small organisations working in the field.
|
|
This program offers 10 creative residencies across Nigeria, Egypt, Tunisia, South Africa, and DRC for artists reshaping narratives around social justice, inclusivity, and racial paradigms. Participants will engage with artificial intelligence to address regional concerns.
|
|
These grants seek to aid researchers, acquire new skills, improve career development, and gain international, interdisciplinary, and inter-sectoral experience by working in another country. All scientific fields are welcomed to apply.
|
Deadline: 10th September 2025
|
|
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation sponsors the Georg Forster Research Fellowship for postdoctoral researchers from developing and emerging countries working in disciplines relevant to their region's sustainable development.
|
Deadline: On a rolling basis
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Support GIG 🎯
|
We invite you to join us in driving innovation for social impact worldwide as a supporting member.
|
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 Organizations: €300
|
|
For organizations with fewer than 50 employees or under €1 million budget
|
Large Organizations: €3,000+
|
For organizations with 50+ employees or €1 million+ budget
|
Contribute now or contact us to learn how your support can help social innovators create lasting change in communities worldwide.
|
|
|
|
|
|
👀 Stay tuned for more exciting updates next month! 💌
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
