The 2016 Kathmandu Mini Maker Faire (KMMF) showcased to over 1,500 Nepalis and internationals the opportunities and applications to leverage the DIY (do-it-yourself) movement. Bringing together communities, entrepreneurs, makers, businesses, international/national non-governmental organizations (I/NGOs) and government agencies, it celebrated the Maker Movement and showcased an array of incredible projects and new technologies, all the while with a unique focus on humanitarian innovation to rebuild Nepal.
On September 24th and 25th, 2016 Nepal Communitere, in partnership with the US Embassy and Nepal Innovation Lab (World Vision), hosted the inaugural KMMF, to showcase the very best in Nepali innovation and entrepreneurship alongside select international partners. The faire served as a forum to celebrate and leverage the Maker and DIY movement, with a unique focus on humanitarian and other needs-based innovation as the Nepali people rebuild their lives, homes, and livelihoods following the 2015 earthquakes. The Kathmandu Mini Maker Faire (KMMF) saw astounding success in its inaugural debut in 2016 as a family-friendly event featuring digital fabrication, DIY science and technology, farming and sustainability, alternative energy, transport, innovations in health and education, unique handmade crafts, music and local food, and educational workshops and installations. Nepal Communitere is thrilled to be playing an active role in catalyzing and supporting the Maker movement through its Resource Center and Innovation Hub.
Speakers from around the world representing countries such as the Phillipines, India, Israel, Haiti and the United States shared their innovation projects that have a social impact. A kids zone engaged youth and showcased hands-on innovation and technology activities. The KMMF highlighted STEAM learning, Raspberry Pi & Arduino workshops, expo pieces, vendors, a virtual reality booth, drone flying, 3D printing workshops, solar power technologies, alternative buildings, environmentally sustainable technologies, ‘the internet of things’, and traditional craft & making techniques.
KMMF 2016 Reviews
“The Kathmandu Maker Faire is unlike any I’ve ever been to. Partnering with the Robotics Association of Nepal and Karkana to run the workshops for kids, this place is teaching and inspiring young and old alike from all around Kathmandu. Nepal Communitere …is now entirely staffed by locals, trained and empowered to bring making as a tool for rebuilding their nation, strengthening their community, solving their own problems. This kind of work, this humanitarian making, gives the recipients not charity, but agency, self-governance, and dignity. This theme — of dignity over charity — ran throughout the entire event, and seemed to exemplify this notion of humanitarian making, and indeed gets at the heart of the Maker Movement itself. Not just what do we make, but why?” – MAKE Magazine, October 3, 2016
“The Faire showcased stalls ranging from organizations like Portal Bikes [with] corn extractors, to young game developers and programmers who are still studying in schools. Visitors swarm[ed] over to the Visualize Virtual Reality stall. Students of Kathford Engineering College were demonstrating “Digital Hydroponics Systems” where plants were grown in an artificial environment with no soil. Smart Absolute Power Strip [allowed] the control of the switches of lights and electric appliances through a phone application and a website.” Everywhere, speakers and participants were “sharing their experiences of innovation”, many that have “managed to create a spark and bring positive changes in communities throughout the world.” – DREAMS Magazine, September 24, 2016
The KMMF is back in Spring 2018 with more than ever to see.
Join us as we create, make, and innovate!
Click here to email us about being the next Program Manager for the Kathmandu Mini Maker Faire 2018!