aBOUT THE PROGRAM
The TOM: Melbourne Makeathon is traditionally a weekend marathon of making. This time, combining a mix of online and face-to-face sessions, the Makeathon will take place over a number of sessions.
We work with people with disability who have a specific need (‘Need-Knowers’) and connect them with a diverse group of professionals, including engineers, industrial designers, health professionals and tradespeople (‘Makers’).
Together, they co-design a solution that aims to solve a complex problem and improve the everyday life of the Need-Knower. The intellectual property for every design is then shared through open source digital files, so others can replicate or iterate it.
The September 2022 Metro Makeathon event is proudly Carbon Positive!
We're taking climate action by measuring and managing our carbon emissions for this event. Learn more about our impact here.

timeline



Applications
PreTOM
Design Night



Makeathon
Saturday & Sunday
Showcase & Handover
TOM 2.0


Applications closed FOR NOW
to let us know you're interested in future Makeathons!
BECOME A
MAKER
Do you like problem solving, innovating and thinking outside the box? Do you want to volunteer your skills to make a real difference in the lives of those living with a disability?
Makers are engineers, designers, software and hardware developers, health professionals, hobbyists with a passion for social change.
Makers are placed in small teams and connected with Need-Knowers (individuals living a disability, support workers, family members, health professionals etc.) who will present their challenge.
BECOME A
NEED-KNOWER
Do you or someone you know or love, live with a disability? Do you have a specific challenge that you face on a daily basis?
Need-Knowers are individuals living with a disability, support workers, family members, allied health professionals, anyone with an intimate understanding of a neglected challenge.
Need-Knowers join forces with teams of Makers with a passion for social change and problem solving to create a solution for a challenge presented by the Need-Knower.
Please note: Whilst it is our aim is to ensure each team has the best possible chance of developing a solution that the Need-Knower can continue to use after the Makeathon, we cannot guarantee Need-Knowers will receive a working prototype solution given the nature of the program.