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Makeathon Events

Throughout the year, we host exciting Makeathon Events that are open to both the TOM community and individuals beyond our network. These hands-on events bring together designers, creators, and innovators for a collaborative series of making and problem-solving. The high-energy atmosphere fosters meaningful connections and leaves a lasting impact on both Need-Knowers and Makers.

Malu and volunteers celebrating during Makeathon 2024.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM

We work with people with a disability who have a specific need and connect them with a diverse group of Volunteers (engineers, industrial designers, health professionals, tradespeople and tinkerers).

Together, they co-design a solution that aims to solve a complex problem and improve the everyday life of the Need-Knower. The intellectual property for every design is then shared through open-source digital files, so others can replicate or iterate it. Participation is free.

Our Process

Development Stages

While promoting disability awareness, the program aims to develop a "proof of concept" prototype, with the design solutions to be published as open-source on the TOM website.
Discover

During this phase, individuals with disabilities identify a challenge that might be improved with a prototype and submit them, while professionals and volunteer makers apply to offer their skills and creativity to develop practical solutions. Anyone can apply!

Define

Makers and Need-Knowers get to know each other, discuss the assigned challenges, commence designing solutions together. Continuing design work outside these sessions is encouraged.

Refine

These sessions allow Makers time to plan and prepare the making of the product. If needed items are 3D modelled and ordered prior to the making.

Make

Teams creates their prototypes using rapid prototyping techniques. Teams document the assembly of their designs as they go; these files are then shared on our Projects page.

Share

Teams share their process and build instructions are uploaded open-source to our website, for others to download and make or alter themselves.

Please note: whilst it is our aim is to ensure each team has the best possible chance of developing a solution that the Need-Knower can continue to use after the Makeathon, we cannot guarantee Need-Knowers will receive a working prototype solution given the nature of the program’s limited time and resources. For any unfinished prototypes, we will work with the team and Need-Knower to determine next steps. 

Video: Makeathon 2024
Oscar

Being able to help someone with a disability by making life a little easier for them & working with expert professionals all with the same goal has been amazing – TOM: Melbourne Makeathon 2019

Oscar
Maker
Sally

TOM personifies inclusive, creating and collaborative skill sharing… these philosophies weave together seamlessly at the Makeathon

Sally
Maker
Get In Touch

Ready To Make a Difference?

If you’re eager to put your skills to work for a cause that matters, we’d love to have you on board. Together, we can create solutions that make the world a more inclusive and accessible place for everyone.

Get In Touch
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