<aside> đź’ˇ We are super excited that you are a part of our global network of hub and community managers, innovators, and change-makers!

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What is GIG?

Global Innovation Gathering (GIG) is a vibrant, diverse community of innovation hubs, makerspaces, hackerspaces and other grassroots innovation community spaces and initiatives, as well as individual innovators, makers, technologists and changemakers. GIG is pursuing a new vision for global cooperation based on equality, openness and sharing. We aim to enable more diversity in the production of technology and global innovation processes and support available and sustainable solutions developed by grassroots innovators. With solid roots in the global south, we share, collaborate, and work together, following our core values. GIG provides a platform for meaningful exchange by fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration. GIG has been growing steadily since its founding at re:publica 2013 and now comprises more than 150 drivers of global innovation and meaningful impact from over 40 countries. Learn more in the About Us part of our website and our Governance document

What do we do?

GIG is a platform to exchange knowledge and experiences and share good practices. We collaborate on projects and conduct research in innovation and development, technology, social entrepreneurship and sustainability, policies and digital rights. We value personal connections and meet IRL for our annual gathering and other events to connect profoundly and provide support and inspiration to each other throughout the year. Additionally, GIG is a platform for innovators to showcase their work to large audiences. Among our current projects are mAkE and Careables.

What do we want to achieve?

We pursue a new vision for global cooperation based on equality, openness and sharing. We want to support the development of human-centric, local, impact-focused technologies. Therefore we’re aiming to strengthen the role of hubs, including maker- and hackerspaces, incubators, accelerators, coworking spaces and other local bottom-up innovation initiatives anywhere in the world.

How does this work?

All of our activities depend on collaboration between different members. Our motto is “We are what we create together”, and we’d like to invite you to create GIG with us! GIG is a decentralized network, and we encourage you to be proactive. Anything you’d like to see happen, discuss or create? Reach out and make it happen.

To have an official vehicle for coordinating and managing our activities, we established a charitable association (NGO) in Germany in 2016 (GIG e.V.). You can find more information on our governance in our Governance document. Most importantly, everybody who is a member of the GIG Network can be part of the GIG NGO. If you would like to become a member of the NGO, please get in touch with [email protected].

What can you do?

  1. Please add yourself to the fabulous GIG database! This is how I can add you to our mailing list and Whatsapp group and celebrate your joining on our social media channels.
  2. Fill in the Application form if you want to become an official member of the NGO.
  3. Write an email to [email protected] introducing yourself. Let us know who you are, about your projects or organisation, what topics you’re interested in and how you like your coffee :) If you also can add a picture, even better!
  4. Learn more about us by checking out our Website, Social Media and Governance document!
  5. Check out and join our communication channels and help keep them up to date by sharing what you are working on and any exciting information you hear about! Use GIG as an amplifier for your work and share content!
  6. Reach out! We love to be in touch. Ask for phone calls to get to know each other better or discuss a topic, chat with us, let us know when you pass through a Giger’s city or meet us at events!
  7. We are what we create together: Contribute in our chat or through email, share your knowledge or opportunities you come across, ask for help, team up with other GIGers or suggest new projects!!