E2-HAC-DR3

Launching HAC_DR3’s Gwynedd first Hackerspace in Caernarfon

Drive east on the A55 for about two hours, and you’ll find yourself in Liverpool’s backstreets at DoES Liverpool—a bustling hackerspace where creators, coders, and curious minds collide. Walk in, and you’ll catch the aroma of fresh solder, the hum of 3D printers, and the lively buzz of ideas flowing freely. DoES Liverpool isn’t just a workspace; it’s a magnet for collaboration—a tech playground where projects flourish, and innovation is celebrated.

But why should we, in Gwynedd, need to cross the border into England for this kind of community-driven tech space? Community spaces only work if they’re local, and Wales lacks spaces like these, leaving tech enthusiasts, creators, and future builders with a void that doesn’t resonate with our local needs and ambitions. Why settle for a limited scene when Caernarfon could have its own hub?

We’re launching HAC_DR3! This is a working title because we want the community to lead, so we’re not prescribing anything. HAC_DR3 will be a hackerspace for local creators, dreamers, and tinkerers. It will put Caernarfon on the map, as while hackerspaces exist in a handful of UK cities, none are in North Wales. HAC_DR3 will be a space stocked with cutting-edge tools—from electronics kits to 3D printers and virtual reality setups—where locals can connect with like-minded people and explore ideas without having to commute to England.

Why HAC_DR3 Matters

The goal of HAC_DR3 is simple: to create a space where people with a passion for technology and creativity can come together to make things happen. It will be the meeting ground for Caernarfon’s tech talent—a home where you can work on that personal project, co-create with others, or simply learn something new from tech-savvy folks around you.

Access to Game-Changing Resources
HAC_DR3 will open up access to equipment not available in just any workspace: digital fabrication tools, electronics gear, laser cutters, and more. By democratizing access to these resources, we’re leveling the playing field and giving everyone—from complete beginners to pros—a shot at bringing their projects to life.

Nurturing Local Talent
Northern Wales has no shortage of creativity and drive. HAC_DR3 will foster local talent, offering workshops and events for anyone interested in tech or the arts. Perhaps you have an idea for an app to support Welsh language learning or a project merging tech with traditional crafts. HAC_DR3 will be a resource to help take that idea from concept to reality.

Culture and Heritage Meet Tech
Caernarfon has a rich cultural identity—one we plan to celebrate and build upon. Imagine projects that explore Welsh heritage through tech, like digitally preserving local folklore or designing modern tools for Welsh-speaking creators. HAC_DR3 will champion these unique blends of tradition and technology, making the past part of our innovation journey.

A Hub for Connection and Collaboration
In the basement of Engedi, HAC_DR3 will be a workspace and social space. The aim is to build a community where people from all walks of life can come together, united by a shared passion for making and hacking. While the hackspace will be distinct from other spaces at Engedi 2.0, we hope there will be interaction and cross-pollination between hackerspace users and other chapel patrons.

Resilience and Self-Sufficiency
Hackerspaces have shown their value in times of crisis, like during the COVID-19 pandemic, when makerspaces worldwide pivoted to produce PPE for frontline workers. We don’t know what the future holds, but we know we’ll be better off with an empowered, tech-savvy local community. HAC_DR3 will be a resourceful space that can respond to local needs, fostering resilience and helping us stay connected and self-sufficient.

Ready to Join Us?

With HAC_DR3, Caernarfon can step up as North Wales’ tech and innovation hub. But to make it happen, we need you. Whether you’re an aspiring hacker, an artist looking to explore digital media, or simply someone with a curious mind, HAC_DR3 is here to welcome you.

Interested in being part of this journey? We’re only just beginning, but we’re looking for collaborators, supporters, and anyone eager to dive into this bold new chapter for Caernarfon. Reach out, connect, and let’s make HAC_DR3 a reality—a place where Caernarfon’s community can come together to create, experiment, and innovate right here, without needing to go elsewhere.

Together, we’ll build Caernarfon’s future, one project at a time.

If you’re a tech enthusiast, hacker, or maker interested in helping to establish Gwynedd’s first hackerspace, you can drop us a message on the main page or better yet, join us on matrix #engedi20:milliways.info

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