On the hunt for public tech

For many of us, Instagram, WhatsApp and Google are part of everyday life. But did you know there are alternatives that don’t rely on your data and attention as a business model? Where can you find them, which ones are right for you, and how do you get started?

Switching to these alternatives isn’t always easy. That’s why, during Waag Open on 1 October, we’re going on a hunt for alternatives throughout the Waag. Follow the clues, discover new apps and try them out for yourself. Along the way, you’ll also discover different corners of the historic Waag-building. Whoever finds and downloads the most apps wins a prize. There’s also a prize for whoever makes the most new connections through the apps!

After the hunt, you’ll have discovered new apps and know not only which alternatives suit you, but also why. You’ll also take home a roadmap with practical next steps towards public tech: technology that puts privacy, openness and user agency at its core.

Bring your smartphone and join us in the hunt for public tech!

Programme

19:30 - 19:45 hrswalk-in19:45 - 19:50 hrsintroduction by Waag19:50 - 20:45 hrsThe hunt for public tech20:45 - 21:00 hrsQ&A and next steps

Mobifree

This Waag Open is part of the European Mobifree project. The project aims to give European citizens and organisations more choice and access to ethical mobile software that puts values such as openness, privacy, digital sovereignty, fairness, collaboration, sustainability and inclusivity at its core. Within Mobifree, Waag Futurelab works with software developers, consumers, policymakers and other stakeholders to develop the foundations for an open, fair and sustainable mobile ecosystem.

Waag Open

Every first Thursday evening of the month, Waag opens its doors. Join us to explore, discuss, and make. At Waag Open, we don’t just talk about social issues and the future. You’ll also get hands-on with something new. Try out tools and technologies you’ve always been curious about, like the 3D printers in the FabLab, or dive into something completely unexpected, such as exploring the building blocks of DNA in our biotech lab.

Accesibility

If you are tight on funds and want to participate in this event, please get in touch with thieu ⟨ at ⟩ waag.org.

The Waag building is not accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. View our accesibility information here.