If you’re passionate about mentoring the next generation of innovators, you might want to get involved in Maker Faire. If you’ve not heard of Maker Faire before, you will as it grows in popularity around the world. If you missed last week’s Maker Faire event, there are more throughout the year:
It started in 2006 in San Francisco as a blend of science fair, county fair, and innovation to gather folks of all ages who are “Makers.” These can be anyone from tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students, and even commercial exhibitors, who want to show what they have made and to share what they have learned.
As of last year there were 119 independently-produced Mini and 14 Featured Maker Faires around the globe, including Tokyo, Rome, Detroit, Oslo and Shenzhen. And half of the attendees are children!
The creators of Maker Faire say it’s not only an event, it’s a movement:
As the movement has gathered increasing momentum, makers have created their own market ecosystem, developing new products and services. The combination of ingenious makers and innovative technologies such as the Arduino microcontroller and personal 3D printing are driving innovation in manufacturing, engineering, industrial design, hardware technology and education. Over the years, the MAKE division has become synonymous with the Maker Movement and is the recognized leader of this growing community of makers.
Many makers are hobbyists, enthusiasts or students (amateurs!)–but they are also a wellspring of innovation, creating new products and producing value in the community. Some makers do become entrepreneurs and start companies.
This is grassroots innovation that we can foster in every community. It’s being called the Maker Movement, and MAKE Magazine and Maker Faire are very proud of having been (and continuing to be) a nurturing ground for this growing community of creative and curious people.
Check out the Maker Faire website here.