This year we collaborated with the Global Innovation Gathering on their support for the Tolocar project. This initiative, led by GIZ, aims to develop low-cost projects for the reconstruction of Ukraine. 

Our support will consist of assisting the documentation and sharing of these innovations, developed by teams of Ukrainian makers and other experts from all over the world. 

Check these projects already documented on Appropedia.

Insulate Izyum

Insulate Izyum is an initiative led by Insulate Ukraine, seeking to address the urgent need to repair or build new housing solutions. 

This project focuses on replacing damaged windows and providing emergency homes with innovative design solutions. Double or triple-glazed cellophane windows can be skillfully crafted within ten minutes, offering a temporary yet effective remedy against the biting cold temperatures that Ukraine experiences. 

Insulate Izyum strives to alleviate the hardships individuals and families face during winter, ensuring their safety and comfort during trying times.

MICU Mobile Intensive Care Unit

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began last year, patient safety in hospitals has become uncertain, especially near frontlines. Intensive care patients are particularly affected as they require constant monitoring. To address this issue, medical evacuation (MedEvac) missions have been established to transport patients to safe hospitals in Ukraine or the European Union.

CADUS and Metalab converted a bus into a Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) to facilitate the attention of civilian victims in the area. A vehicle designed for long-distance travel will allow transporting more patients with fewer staff.

Congratulations, Global Innovation Gathering, on 10 Years of Innovation! 🎉

We also want to extend our warmest congratulations to the Global Innovation Gathering (GIG) on reaching this remarkable milestone of 10 years of fostering innovation and collaboration. GIG is a “vibrant, diverse community of innovation hubs, makerspaces, hackerspaces and other grassroots innovation communities alongside individual innovators, makers, technologists and changemakers.”

GIG's dedication to connecting innovators, entrepreneurs, and change-makers from around the globe is outstanding. Through their vibrant network, GIG has facilitated meaningful exchanges of ideas and collaborations and nurtured a community that thrives on innovation, with a special focus on valuing the contributions of the Global South in collaboratively solving problems in both the Global North and South.

Our executive director took part in a panel discussion during this celebration in June, in which he expressed the problematic aspects of patents and closed innovation, while pointing the importance of open documentation and open innovation, practices supported by Appropedia:

"When discussing patents, the overlooked asymmetry it creates between low and high-income countries is a critical concern. This leads to frustrating repair delays and a devaluation of local repairers' work in the global South. [...] The patent system tends to assign lesser value to inventions from low-income countries, hindering our ability to break free from this grip unless we transcend the existing system."

You can also read about how Appropedia and other platforms can collaborate by developing open standards to protect the innovations of communities like GIG and move towards open source patenting.

We invite you to explore our most recent projects in collaboration with GIG, where we have been working towards building a more sustainable future. These projects exemplify the power of collaboration, demonstrating how innovative solutions can emerge when diverse perspectives and expertise converge. 

Are you passionate about creating sustainable and equitable solutions for global challenges? If so, we have an opportunity for you to make a difference! We're reaching out to you today to make an appeal for support towards Appropedia - an incredible resource for individuals and communities striving to make the world a better place. Your donation, no matter how big or small, can ensure that this invaluable resource remains accessible to people all around the world. Let's come together to make a positive impact and support Appropedia!