Raspberry JAM @ Wikimedia Hackathon Milan 2026

Brainstorming Session: Hardware Tools Supporting Wikimedia Projects

We are thrilled to invite you to a special Raspberry JAM session, hosted as part of the official Wikimedia Hackathon Milan 2026!

This isn't your average JAM; it’s a dedicated brainstorming and ideation workshop where we will bring together two powerful worlds: the versatile Raspberry Pi ecosystem and the open knowledge mission of the Wikimedia movement.

Details

Organizer: Suyash Dwivedi

Date: Saturday, May 2nd, 2026

Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Location: [Specific room/venue- TBD], Wikimedia Hackathon, Milan

Raspberry Pi Event page link

Our Challenge

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

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?

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!

Registration Details

Note: This event is exclusive to Wikimedia Hackathon participants.

While this session is part of the Wikimedia Hackathon, separate registration is required for this specific JAM. Join us in Milan and let’s hack for knowledge!