Portfolio

Learn about the projects we drive to empower people through meaningful access to and use of technology.

Projects

Innovation Labs 

Laboratorios_de_innovación_makaia

Makaia's Innovation Labs are creative and practical training spaces where young people develop their own technological solutions, creating prototypes that respond to real problems in their communities.

By learning the principles of robotics, electronics, and programming, participants put their ideas into practice to generate social impact.

How do Innovation Labs work?

The program is structured around 5 training phases, each with a clear purpose to accompany young people on their journey from basic learning to prototyping:

  • Creative ideation: We work with playful challenges to strengthen logical thinking and creativity, using algorithms and Arduino tools. 

  • Social innovation: Young people identify real problems in their environment, carry out assessments, and learn social innovation concepts to define solutions. 

  • In-depth analysisParticipants focus on projects with specific themes such as e-agriculture or home automation, strengthening their knowledge of digital electronics and circuit assembly. 

  • Experiment incubator: At this stage, tangible prototypes are built that address community needs, integrating the technical and social knowledge acquired.

Why are Innovation Labs important?

Innovation Labs bring technology to local areas, encouraging young people to imagine, create, and prototype solutions that improve their environment. This model promotes autonomy, creativity, and the responsible use of ICT, and demonstrates how technology can be a powerful tool for social transformation at the community level.

Results

  • +300 young people benefited

  • 10 beneficiary institutions

Audience

Young people between the ages of 14 and 28 from vulnerable communities (especially rural areas or areas with limited technological coverage) who are interested in learning about technology, innovating, and developing projects with social impact.

Date

2020 – Present

Ally

Miña y Ticha Rural Educational Institution, Riopaila Foundation, Comfenalco Antioquia, ACDI/VOCA, USAID, Corporación Futuro para la Niñez, Laboratorios del Espíritu, Lejos del Nido Rural Educational Institution, Buriticá City Hall, Continental Gold, Fundación Grupo Social, Buriticá City Hall, Fundación SURA, ISO, and SAP.