SAPO Codebits 2009

Session Title

The Hackerspace Movement

Abstract

Hacker spaces have been around for years. But something is afoot! In the past year hundreds of new hackerspaces have been popping up all over our planet -- and established hackerspaces have become way more popular. There is even an international organization called Hackerspaces.org that exists to promote the continuation and formation of hacker spaces everywhere. Coinciding with this unprecedented movement is a growing popularity of hacker conferences, Maker Faires, Dorkbots, crafting groups, other geeky groups. What is going on here? And how can you benefit? Mitch Altman (co-founder of Noisebridge, a thriving hackerspace in San Francisco) will talk about his experiences and outlooks, including how to start your own hacker space where you live.

Language

English

Speakers

Mitch Altman

Mitch Altman is a San Francisco-based hacker and inventor, best known for inventing TV-B-Gone remote controls, a keychain that turns off TVs in public places, he also co-founding 3ware (a Silicon Valley RAID controller company), did pioneering work in Virtual Reality at VPL Research, and created the Brain Machine, one of MAKE Magazine's most popular DIY projects. He contributes to MAKE Magazine, and for the last several years has been leading workshops around the world, teaching people to make cool things with microcontrollers and teaching everyone to solder. He is also President and CEO of Cornfield Electronics. (more)