Global Innovation Lounge to showcase emerging hubs at re:publica 2013

From 6 to 8 May, the massive global innovation event, re:pulica will feature both AfriLabs and GIZ (German agency for International Cooperation) collaborating in order to host The Global Innovation Lounge in Berlin. The Global Innovation Lounge focuses on showcasing technology innovation hubs in Africa, Latin America and Asia that have been booming as well as their inspirational success stories.

re:publica is an extremely popular event taking place in Berlin every year. As its motto stands “In/Side/Out”, the event focuses on the idea of “bringing the online and offline together.” Using a wide range of speakers and perspectives, the event next week has increased it’s guest list to include emerging markets of Africa, Latin America and Asia. Among the exchange of ideas, re:publica will also feature activities for educational and collaborative purposes.

This is a new milestone for the exciting innovation hubs taking place in emerging markets. Collaboration as well as exposure in the digital world is crucial for further development of these hubs both locally and internationally.

AfriLab is the collection of hubs that has been mushrooming across the African continent. These hubs serve as business incubators and meeting places where ideas are exchanged regarding technological development and entrepreneurship, among others. These hubs act as mediators and a medium for collaboration between potential investors, researchers and technological communities. This would be the first time for all of AfriLab’s members to meet in person.

Among the speakers will be influential blogger and founder of Ushahidi and iHub, Erik Hersman. By hosting guests and organizations from diverse and emerging environments, the event showcases these “islands of innovation” and how their individual adaptations has lead to their success. GIZ focuses on sustainable development and international cooperation so as mentioned on the website, topics of discussion will involve “sustainable business models, ‘hacking for a better world’, and hub building across different environmental, political and social environments.”