Global Innovation Gathering

The Global Innovation Gathering is an annual meeting of tech hubs, fab labs, maker spaces and innovation centres from all over the world. As the central physical nodes of local innovation ecosystems, these spaces come to represent the technological innovations of their respective home countries – and so now, for the third time, GIG is inviting them to share their ideas and stories, successes and failures with each other. Furthermore, the re:publica conference creates a perfect opportunity to showcase innovative works and connect with a wider audience.

Initiated almost by accident, it was at first not planned as a recurring event at all. But after the first gathering in 2013, an active worldwide network formed, which has been growing, communicating and collaborating ever since. By now, GIG has become the annual event where the members of this global network get to meet in person and present their work.

And the plans for this year are big! GIG first started out in a small space in the central hall at re:publica. This time, GIG participants are taking over the #rp15 stages on numerous occasions during the three days of the festival. So there will be plenty of space to mingle, talk, and get dirty hands in the large GIG Maker Space. Apart from GIG’s presence at re:publica, the gathering is also an opportunity to discuss hub-related issues, like inclusive community management, business models, or sustainability, with other network members.

Looking at the GIG program, this year’s topics include, amongst others, the role of open data in development, technological innovation in Palestine, and the need for an open Internet of Things. This year, we are paying special attention to global maker culture: There will be presentations on the impact of rapid prototyping, such as 3D printing for development and disaster response, discussions on the connections between the maker movement and local traditional craftsmen and artists.

The GIG Maker Space

Have you ever thought about making an Android app, but don’t know how to code? Which useful things can we make out of all the machines we throw away? How can 3D printing improve the lives of children in Kenya? And what does a phone battery charger have to do with motorbike taxis in Uganda? Have you ever asked yourself what the insides of your devices look like, but haven’t yet dared to take a look? Yes? No? Maybe? The good news: The GIG Maker Space has the answers. There will be plenty of workshops in the GIG Maker Space, where participants and #rp15 visitors can get hands-on experience in designing and building their ideas themselves. Workshops range from suitable technology projects like 3D printing with e-waste, to applications that generate electricity or music from rotten vegetables. Rea more about the GIG Maker Space here.

All sessions of GIG at #rp at a glance: http://re-publica.de/tags/gig