HBKU to present Makerspace initiative on green economies

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) is presenting its latest Makerspace initiative titled Green Economy, Business, and Entrepreneurship in Qatar to encourage a more informed understanding of ethics and practices of green economies.
The opening of the public event will take place on March 28 and 29 at the Education City Student Centre.
The event will bring together organisations and members of the community for sprint, interactive exhibitions, workshops, and short talks.
Dr Emad El-Din Shahin, dean of CIS, noted: “ Makerspace represents the innovation driven path we have embarked on and this initiative is a perfect example of thinking of innovation at the social, economic, cultural levels.”
Various activities are planned over the course of the initiative and all members of the public, HBKU leadership, faculty, staff, students, and alumni are invited to attend. One significant spectacle will be the competitive Makeathon, where groups of integrated individuals will attempt to solve issues relating to waste management, sustainable tourism, environmental awareness and water security. To aid their mission, selected participants will receive fabrication tools such as microcontroller kits, 3D printers, CNC routers, as well as resources found at the event.
An exhibition called Living Off the Land will aim to present how different people rely on nature to survive, out of necessity or by choice. The exhibition will aim to portray how land may be used in various ways, while respecting the role of nature in our everyday lives. The exhibition hopes to inspire and create an awareness of the possibilities of sustainable survival.
The initiative will also host a friendly zone for children to inspire the artist within, as well as provide ample learning and creative activities that encourage upcycling and recycling. Workshops will be conducted over two days, and members of the general public are welcome to contribute by bringing recycling material, including water bottle caps, water bottles, newspapers, plastic bags, and textiles.
Key speakers will include international, resident and Qatari participants who have demonstrated successful models that endorse green economies and businesses, or have effectively led sustainable lifestyles. Prominent business startups and entrepreneurs practising ecological models will also be showcasing their work in various outlets.
HBKU has partnered with a selection of sustainability experts, supporters, and partners, including Qatar Development Bank, the Qur’anic Botanic Garden, Qatar Green Building Council, Qatar National Research Fund and Al Jaber Green Construction.