The mAkE project aimed to address challenges faced by makerspaces, focusing on financial sustainability, regulation, policy, education, culture, infrastructure, and market access. Support was provided to startups and SMEs through a comprehensive venture-building program, delivering 130+ hours of personalized coaching to 20 startups. This included guidance on business models, financial strategies, and marketing. The Venture Building Handbook, available in English and French, became an essential resource for makerspace managers and entrepreneurs, transforming ideas into scalable businesses. Another key resource, the Open Catalogue of Business Models (OCBM), co-created with 350 stakeholders, offers adaptable business models and is already adopted by 10+ makerspaces.
The Makers-in-Residency (MiR) Programme fostered cross-cultural collaboration between African and European makers through knowledge-sharing and co-creation, building networks and enhancing skills. Meanwhile, mAkE engaged 69 stakeholders to co-develop a Common Policy Agenda, disseminating it to local, national, and international policymakers to advocate for the recognition of makerspaces as critical infrastructure.
The Open Makerspace Toolkit (OMT) provides guidance on setting up inclusive makerspaces and managing stakeholder relationships. The accompanying Training-of-Trainers (ToT) program established a network of 70 trainers who cascade their knowledge across the maker ecosystem. The mAkE Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) further expands learning opportunities, incorporating resources like the OCBM, Venture Building Handbook, and Common Policy Agenda.
Distributed Manufacturing (DM) innovations include a Maker Passport system prototype for mutual recognition of skills, the Map of Machinery, cataloging 10,300+ manufacturing resources, and a digital contracting system trialed by 90 users. These initiatives highlight the potential of DM to boost local production and skills recognition.
The project explored alternative financing, helping makerspaces access crowdfunding, corporate sponsorships, and community-backed models to overcome traditional funding gaps. Over 500 businesses and stakeholders engaged through workshops and events, fostering lasting partnerships, including the Global Innovation Gathering and African Makerspace Ecosystem, ensuring ongoing impact.
