October 2019 will be officially the open hardware month this year and the official website is now taking applications from event organisers. “October is Open Hardware Month! We are providing resources and asking you, the community, to host small, local events in the name of open source hardware. Tell us about your October event by filling out the form below.”
About the Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA)
The Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA) aims to foster technological knowledge and encourage research that is accessible, collaborative, and respects user freedom. OSHWA’s primary activities include hosting the annual Open Hardware Summit and maintaining the Open Source Hardware certification. This certification allows the community to quickly identify and represent hardware that complies with the community definition of open source hardware. The certification process ensures that the hardware designs are freely available and can be modified and shared by anyone.
Hosting an event during Open Hardware Month is a fantastic way to engage with the community and promote the principles of open source hardware. Whether you are planning a workshop, a hackathon, or a lecture series, OSHWA provides a variety of resources to help you organize and publicize your event. These resources include promotional materials, guidelines for event planning, and a platform to share your event details with a global audience.
How to Get Involved
To register your interest in hosting an event this year during the Open Hardware Month, jump over to the official OSHWA website by following the link below. By hosting an event, you not only contribute to the global open hardware movement but also get a chance to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations. Your event will be featured on OSHWA’s Open Hardware Month page provided you have followed OSHWA’s rules listed on the “Do’s and Don’ts” page.
The Open Hardware Summit, which will take place on March 13th, 2020, will mark the 10-year anniversary of these summits. This milestone event will bring together a diverse group of participants, including engineers, designers, artists, and educators, all united by their interest in open source hardware. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend talks, participate in workshops, and network with other members of the open hardware community.
In addition to the summit, OSHWA also supports various initiatives throughout the year aimed at promoting open source hardware. These initiatives include educational programs, community outreach efforts, and collaborations with other organizations that share similar goals. By participating in Open Hardware Month, you become part of a larger movement that is working to democratize technology and make it more accessible to everyone.
Examples of successful events from previous years include community-led workshops on building open source drones, lectures on the importance of open hardware in education, and hackathons focused on developing new open source hardware projects. These events not only provide valuable learning experiences but also help to build a stronger, more connected community of open hardware enthusiasts.
If you are passionate about open source hardware and want to make a difference, consider hosting an event during Open Hardware Month. Whether you are an experienced organizer or new to the world of event planning, OSHWA’s resources and support can help you create a successful and impactful event.
Source: OSHWA
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.