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Welcome to the February25 Edition of GIGinsights!
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This month, we’re spotlighting new faces, groundbreaking initiatives, and exciting opportunities across the GIG network. From the mAkE Impact Stories showcasing real-world innovation to a new Citizen Science initiative reshaping circular economy education, there’s a lot happening!
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We’re also introducing the first group of newly nominated members for 2025, along with funding opportunities, industry events, and thought-provoking reads in the General Knowledge Spotlight.
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So, grab a coffee and dive in—there’s plenty to explore! ☕🌍✨
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General Updates From the GIG Community and Team Members 📰
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Internet of Production Alliance Transitions
After years of impactful work with makerspaces in Africa and Europe, the Internet of Production Alliance (IOPA) is closing this chapter. Team members, including several GIG members, will stay engaged as volunteers and explore new opportunities. Andrew Lamb, relocating to Australia, remains open to collaborations.
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New Citizen Science Initiative Starts March 2025
The Circular Material Valuer Curriculum, a six-month Citizen Science initiative by the Hans Sauer Foundation, launches in March. It will co-design educational resources on circular economy, zero waste, and reuse, engaging participants in Berlin and GIG members worldwide.
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Info Session: February 25, 2025 | 16:00 (Europe/Berlin) / 12:00 (Brazil)/ 20:30 (Delhi) / 23:00 (Singapore) / 10:00 (Bogotá)
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GIG Presents: mAkE Impact Stories
The mAkE Impact Stories report showcases how mAkE has strengthened Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs) and makerspaces across Africa and Europe. It highlights business models, skills development, and collaboration efforts that have driven real impact.
Read Here
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New GIG Americas Working Group
A new WhatsApp community is forming to strengthen the GIG network across South, Central, and North America. Open to GIG members worldwide with an interest in the LAC (Latin America & Caribbean) GIG community, this group is a space for connection, collaboration, and shared opportunities.
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Powering Innovation in South Sudan
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Thanks to 21 generous supporters, the CC4D Bright Makerspace and Repair Café in Yei, South Sudan is closer to securing sustainable electricity and essential repair tools. The contributions are fueling a space for learning, innovation, and community-driven solutions.
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Special Dedication: Newly Nominated Members 🌍
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We are happy to welcome new members to our global community! Here is the first group of nominees for 2025—each of them has been nominated by fellow GIG members for their outstanding contributions and alignment with our mission.
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Let’s give them a warm welcome to GIG! 🎉
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Events and Opportunities 🎯
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Events:
This year’s festival for the digital society will focus on the theme “Generation XYZ”. The program will explore key topics related to the internet, its communities, and the opportunities and challenges of digitalization.
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30th & 31st May 2025 – Open Hardware Summit 2025 | Edinburgh, Scotland.
Open call for talks, workshops, exhibitors, and collaborators to support the summit's organization and promotion.
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4th - 11th July 2025 – FAB25 | Brno and Prague, Czechia.
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This year, the world’s largest digital fabrication event will bring local and global innovators to the Czech Republic. The Fab Conference will feature keynote speeches, workshops, TEDx-style talks, and curated sessions designed to inspire and connect participants, all shaped by insights from over 50 European FabLabs and initiatives.
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Opportunities:
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Call for AGROECOLOGY Partnership
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Evaluating agroecology’s environmental impact, value chain transformation, and public policy design.
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Deadline for pre-proposal: 17 February 2025
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Co-creating ManuTech Hub in Africa
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The UNDP is building a Pan-African ManuTech Hub and seeks insights from GIGers!
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Deadline: Ongoing Opportunity
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CDRI: Disaster Resilient Infrastructure Fellowship
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Supports solutions for disaster and climate-resilient infrastructure.
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Deadline: Ongoing Opportunity
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[Latin America] Derechos Digitales: Funding for Free and Open Digital Ecosystems
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Funding for activities promoting a free and open digital ecosystem in Latin America.
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Deadline: Ongoing Opportunity
Funding: Up to $15,000 per year per organization/activist
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WRLD Foundation Call for Applications
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The WRLD Foundation supports scientific, educational, and awareness-raising projects on clean water, sanitation, climate change, marine life, and biodiversity conservation.
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General Knowledge Spotlight 💡
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The Value of Open Source Software
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Explore how open-source software, a $9 trillion resource, powers industries worldwide yet remains underutilized.
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Humanity’s Hand Created AI. Humanity’s Hand Must Guide It Forward.
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UN Secretary-General António Guterres discusses the urgent need for responsible AI development and global cooperation.
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Royal Mint Starts Turning E-Waste into Gold
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The UK’s Royal Mint is pioneering a process to extract gold from electronic waste, contributing to a circular economy.
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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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