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Welcome to the December Edition of GIGinsights! 🎄🎁
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As the year draws to a close, we reflect on the inspiring projects and collaborations that have shaped our global community. This month, we focus on sharing meaningful events and opportunities while celebrating the spirit of connection and innovation that drives us all.
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From groundbreaking gatherings like the mAkErverse Ecosystem Meeting to reports like Procomum's SulXSul videocasts, GIG members continue to inspire in the creation of a more inclusive and innovative future.
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Delve deep into this month’s issue to explore exciting opportunities for funding, unique events like the Chaos Communication Congress, and insights that challenge the status quo.
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Let’s step into 2025 with curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Enjoy the read, and thank you for being a part of the GIG Network!
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General Updates From the GIG Community and Team Members 📰
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GIG in Cape Town
GIG’s founder, Geraldine de Bastion, Joined Community Manager Fadia Elgharib and mAkE Project Manager Kirstin Wiedow in Cape Town for the Afrilabs Annual Gathering and the mAkErverse – Makerspace Ecosystem Gathering.
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From November 6–8, the Afrilabs Gathering introduced its first-ever Makerspace Track, exploring topics like Right to Repair and sustainable business models. This was followed by the mAkErverse – Makerspace Ecosystem Gathering on November 12–13 at Innovation City, Cape Town.
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Co-organized by GIG and mAkE Project partners under the European Horizon 2020 programme, the mAkErverse gathering brought together over 50 makerspaces, innovators, and creators to exchange ideas, develop skills, and foster partnerships.
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These events showcased the power of makerspaces in addressing local challenges, driving collaboration, and contributing to Africa’s innovation ecosystem.
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Freda Yamorti’s article captures the great impact of these events, highlighting the role of makerspaces in harnessing economic growth and local innovation.
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mAkE x Vulca
GIG's Executive Board Member Sandra Mamitzsch and Supervisory Board Members Andrew Lamb presented mAkE outcomes at the VULCA Seminar, highlighting the (MiR) residency program and sharing success stories.
Learn More
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mAkE Zenodo Page
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GIG’s mAkE project now has a dedicated Zenodo page! Explore the latest resources and insights curated by the GIG-make team.
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Criptofunk Event Recap
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The fifth edition of Criptofunk was held in Favela da Maré, Rio de Janeiro, exploring digital care and the theme, "What kind of Artificial Intelligence do we want?" The event featured workshops, debates, and performances by Brazilian funk artists and digital rights advocates.
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Longevity and Technologies Report by Olabi
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Olabi released its Longevity and Technologies report, spotlighting digital inclusion for Brazilians aged 60 and over. The report underscores the need to integrate older generations into the digital landscape.
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Chad Innovation Hub Celebrates Global Entrepreneurship Week
The Chad Innovation Hub hosted intensive workshops for 10 Business Support Organizations (BSOs) and 20 creative entrepreneurs. From business modeling to digital branding, the Hub provided practical solutions for sustainable growth, supported by StartupBlink and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency.
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CC4D Updated from Sudan
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During the Crop Training Centre launch in Yei County, CC4D shared insights on digital inclusion and requested support for a satellite internet access to refugees.
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BuildPeace Conference in Manila
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GIGers collaborated on presenting the open-source Braille printer during the conference. BrailleRap fosters cross-continental connections and worldwide inclusivity.
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Events and Opportunities 🌐
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Events:
The 19th Internet Governance Forum will be hosted at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center (KAICC). This year’s theme focuses on shaping our multistakeholder digital future, with key discussions on innovation, human rights, and digital governance.
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Europe’s largest hacker conference, CCC, invites hackers, artists, and activists for four days of workshops, cultural events, and networking. With over 10,000 participants and 2,000 volunteers, this self-organized space fosters creativity and collaboration.
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Opportunities:
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GIGers Support Education in Gaza
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GIG members are supporting efforts to provide mobile education for children in Gaza; ensuring access to learning for kids in need during challenging times.
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Support the OpenFlexure Microscope Initiative
Valerian Sanga of Bongo Tech and Research Labs in Tanzania is advancing global medical microscopy by working to manufacture the first medical-grade OpenFlexure Microscope. To address key challenges like cybersecurity for digital diagnostic tools, he’s pursuing a Master’s in Cybersecurity at the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology.
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Open call for design submissions focused on bioeconomy solutions.
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Data Hub Liaison Open Position - Colombia
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Open remote position for Liaison Hub Consultant role based in Colombia.
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SEEKCommons Fellowship Applications Open
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For those working on Open Science, free/libre technology, and peer production.
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Euro Nordic Funding Alliance: Free Membership with Resources
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Access grant matching and grant-writing AI tools.
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BioHack Academy Registration Open
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A 10-week program focusing on biotechnology and biomaterials.
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Starting date: 3rd February 2025
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General Knowledge Spotlight 💡
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SulXSul and Philanthropy Month
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Procomum published two compelling videocasts on climate finance agendas, drawing from discussions held at Lab SulXSul. These episodes emphasized the role of peripheries in Climate Justice and Good Living. The first episode, titled "How Do We Think About the Distribution of Power?", aired on Procomum’s YouTube channel earlier this year.
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Alternative to Grammarly: LanguageTool
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Looking for a helpful writing assistant? LanguageTool offers a powerful alternative to Grammarly, perfect for enhancing your grammar, style, and writing clarity.
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The Invisible Workers Behind AI
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Explore this eye-opening article from The Conversation about the often-overlooked workers in Madagascar who power AI modeling for French tech companies. Learn about their contributions and the challenging working conditions they face.
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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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