Event:Hardware tools for Wiki/Raspberry Jam at Wikimania Paris 2026
Raspberry JAMs are community-led events that happen all around the world. They bring together hobbyists, developers, teachers, students, and open-source enthusiasts to learn, share, and play with Raspberry Pi and will discuss how Raspberry Pi is used for education, digital access, and open knowledge sharing in resource-constrained settings. Lots of new hardware related initiation started other then Internet-in-a-Box so after successful Jam at Wikimania Nairobi we are super exited to host this at Paris.
Details
[edit]Organizer: Suyash Dwivedi
Raspberry Pi foundation official event page
Our Challenge
[edit]The Wikimedia projects (like Wikipedia, Wikidata, and Wikimedia Commons) are powered by software and the people who write it. But how can physical, innovative hardware help support and expand this mission?
We need your ideas!
Our goal for this session is to brainstorm and define real-world projects where Raspberry Pi hardware can provide tangible solutions for Wikimedia. How can we use Pi to:
- Improve physical access to information?
- Enhance digital content editing or creation tools?
- Support localized or offline community efforts?
- Monitor or maintain technical infrastructure?
- Camera, Scanner or other devices that can me modify
How the Session Works
[edit]This is a facilitated brainstorming and "napkin sketch" ideation session.
1. Welcome & Context (10 mins) A quick introduction to Raspberry Pi capabilities and key challenges in Wikimedia technical communities. Set the stage and spark curiosity.
2. Idea Generation (20 mins) Participants split into small, diverse groups to brainstorm creative hardware solutions — from simple hacks to bold ideas. Focus: What can a Pi do for Wikimedia?
3. Concept Pitching (15 mins) Each group presents their best idea(s) in short pitches (1–2 mins each), followed by quick reactions and discussion.
4. Refinement & Next Steps (15 mins) Identify the most promising ideas and outline next steps — required hardware, possible collaborators, and potential hackathon directions.
Who Should Attend?
[edit]We are looking for a perfect cross-section of skills and interests.
Raspberry Pi Makers: People who know the hardware and are looking for meaningful projects.
Wikimedians & Wikimedia Technical Contributors: Editors, developers, and organizers who understand the needs of the projects.
Designers & User Experience Experts: To ensure the solutions are useful.
Educators & Outreach Specialists: For solutions aimed at specific communities.
Anyone passionate about open hardware and open knowledge!