Let's co-create
social innovation futures
together.
GIG's mission is to empower global communities through digital innovation for sustainable development. We nurture a network of 200+ members across 50+ countries, fostering makerspaces and innovation hubs worldwide. Our vision is a world of equitable global cooperation, driven by local inclusive innovation, open knowledge sharing, and South-South partnerships. GIG strives to harness technology's potential to address complex challenges, creating lasting impact ο»Ώfor communities globally.
How can you support
We invite you to join us in driving innovation for social impact worldwide. Your annual supporting membership enables sustained support for our global network of change makers. Here are the suggested annual contributions:
- Small Organisations: β¬300/year
Fewer than 50 employees or under β¬1M budget
- Large Organisations: β¬3,000+
50+ employees or β¬1M+ budget
ο»Ώ
Contribute now or contact us to learn more about GIG.
How we work
GIG connects makerspaces, hackerspaces, and innovation hubs worldwide, fostering global collaboration. Our diverse network engages in research and community-driven projects, focusing on climate resilience and inclusive development. By amplifying voices from the Global South, we empower communities to create locally-rooted, sustainable solutions. Our networked approach drives impactful knowledge sharing and innovation, accelerating the transition towards a future built on solidarity and sustainability. Explore our recent partnerships.
Hear from our members
GIG made me recognise the powerful potential for a global network of exceptionally bright people, each equipped with their individual skillsets, and driven by their belief that they can change the world for good.
Jay Fajardo, Ideaspace Ventures
GIG has guided and supported me all the way giving me the space I needed to fail try again get motivated and inspired have the courage to participate in some projects such as CoAct and Critical Making.
Nidhi Mittal, Digitally speaking
GIG has been a crucial space to spark true inclusive collaboration in spaces for technologists makers and innovators where the most likely participants are from the Global North creating opportunities for sharing and work.
Emilio Velis, Appropedia
Our focus areas
Educational Technology
Supporting crucial grassroots initiatives addressing limited education infrastructure, particularly in the Global South, we work together with members on education-focused open hardware projects, like robotics, STEM education, and tinkering in makerspaces.
Recognising the role of grassroots initiatives in combating climate change in the Global South, GIG collaborates with members on innovative climate resilience solutions. These include eco-focused makerspaces, nature-based prototypes, and more.
Our journey ahead
In 2025, GIG is set to amplify its global impact through our key initiatives. By fostering innovation at local and global levels, we're creating a more connected, resilient, and inclusive world.
GIG Week 2026
Bringing together social innovators from 20+ countries, our annual gathering, held alongside the annual re:publica conference, accelerates global knowledge exchange by showcasing diverse, 'alternative' sustainability solutions. It also strengthens cross-cultural innovation networks, connecting our community with the wider innovation ecosystem.
Regional Gatherings
These in-person gatherings aim to decentralise innovation across continents, deepen regional collaboration, and amplify underrepresented voices in innovation. By bringing our global network to local settings, we foster more inclusive and context-specific solutions.
Climate Resilience Labs
Harnessing the power of networks to tackle urgent environmental challenges, these labs will facilitate global exchanges among open innovator. By focusing on diverse, often underrepresented perspectives, we'll develop climate resilience solutions that have both local impact and global relevance.
Join us in shaping the future of social innovation.
Partner with GIG as a supporting member to empower social innovators worldwide. Together, we can foster innovation, tackle global challenges, and build a more resilient future.
What you gain as a supporting member:
π Network Access: Connect with 200+ grassroots innovators across 50+ countries. Access local perspectives and local knowledge to develop culturally relevant, sustainable solutions for complex global challenges.
π± Unique Collaborations: Form unique community-driven partnerships within the GIG network, bypassing traditional aid models for more sustainable collaborations grounded in real-world needs and local expertise.
π‘ Community Engagement: Engage and gain insights from diverse makers, social innovators, and local leaders in our monthly online networking and thematic discussions. GIG can be a sounding board and testing ground for new ideas, digital innovation and hardware prototypes.
π’ Direct Communication Access: Share opportunities, gather feedback, and collaborate with the GIG community via our communication channels, for instance by hosting community calls on a topic of your choice.
π° Newsletter Feature: Get highlighted in the GIG newsletter upon joining as a supporting member, showcasing your commitment to global innovation.
Our team is excited to share insights into our upcoming initiatives and explore how your support can create lasting change worldwide.
Join us in shaping the future of social innovation.
Partner with GIG to empower social innovators and makers worldwide. Together, we can foster innovation, tackle global challenges, and build a more resilient future.
What you gain as a supporting member:
π Network Access: Connect with 200+ grassroots innovators across 50+ countries. Access local perspectives and local knowledge to develop culturally relevant, sustainable solutions for complex global challenges.
π± Unique Collaborations: Form unique community-driven partnerships within the GIG network, bypassing traditional aid models for more sustainable collaborations grounded in real-world needs and local expertise.
π‘ Community Engagement: Engage and gain insights from diverse makers, social innovators, and local leaders in our monthly online networking and thematic discussions. GIG can be a sounding board and testing ground for new ideas, digital innovation and hardware prototypes.
π’ Direct Communication Access: Share opportunities, gather feedback, and collaborate with the GIG community via our communication channels, for instance by hosting community calls on a topic of your choice.
π° Newsletter Feature: Get highlighted in the GIG newsletter upon joining as a supporting member, showcasing your commitment to global innovation.
Our team is excited to share insights into our upcoming initiatives and explore how your support can create lasting change worldwide.
Join us in shaping the future of social innovation.
Partner with GIG as a supporting member to empower social innovators worldwide.
What you gain:
π Network Access: Connect with 200+ grassroots innovators across 50+ countries. Access local perspectives and local knowledge to develop culturally relevant, sustainable solutions.
π± Unique Collaborations: Form unique community-driven partnerships within the GIG network, bypassing traditional aid models for more sustainable collaborations.
π‘ Community Engagement: Engage and gain insights from the community in our monthly online networking calls. GIG can be a sounding board and testing ground for digital innovation and hardware prototypes.
& more!
Our team is excited to share insights into our upcoming initiatives and explore how your support can create lasting change worldwide.
