​The Hardware Unconference is back, now at BCIT & featuring the BCIT MAKE+ Solutions Lounge!

​Unconference?

​​Also called "open space", an unconference is a participant driven conference. Attendees propose topics and offer to lead and facilitate these tasks, discussions, panels, hands-on workshops, and more. The emphasis is on spontaneous learning and sharing. It's an experience like no other.

​​First unconference? Awesome! Check out this guide on how to prepare to attend:

​​https://unconference.net/unconferencing-how-to-prepare-to-attend-an-unconference-2/

​Hardware?

​​This unconference is focused on bringing hardware products into reality, like wearables, industrial sensors, machinery, and more. From industrial design to firmware to project management to legal, if it's key to building & launching hardware, it's a good fit here! Share your hard-won lessons, your weird new way of doing something, and your dives down rabbit holes and learn from the best in Vancouver's hardware development community.

​Some sessions from last year included:

• ​All about waterproofing electronics

• ​Bayesian statistics analysis for prototype data

• ​Compliant mechanisms

• ​Reverse engineering: 3D scanning hardware & software, integrations into prototyping

• ​How to pitch a VC as a hardware startup

• ​Manufacturing using etching & diffusion bonding

​Here's some of what people said about their favourite part of last year's event:

• ​The mix of formats was really engaging. Lectures on complex topics, spirited fishbowl debates.

• ​Meeting people! The diffusion welding session was super cool

• ​Making business connections. Mentorship with experienced developers (good book recommendations too)

• ​The openness and willingness of everyone participating

​What BCIT Applied Research and Innovation brings to this event

​BCIT Applied Research and Innovation is bringing something new to the 2025 Hardware Unconference, a dedicated Solutions Lounge hosted by their award-winning MAKE+ applied research team.

​​Visit the BCIT Solutions Lounge and pick the brains of engineers, technologists, industrial designers, and project managers with deep expertise in real-world product development. Whether you're facing a design bottleneck, testing issue, or manufacturing roadblock, come in, lounge around, talk it out, and leave with new ideas, new connections and maybe even a breakthrough!

​​With over 35 years of experience helping companies take products from concept to commercialization, the MAKE+ team brings deep expertise in everything from 3D-printed prototypes to medical devices, advanced manufacturing, health technologies and much more. As the only academic applied research group in Canada certified to ISO 13485 (Medical Devices), they bring industry-leading standards to every project, ensuring safe, effective, and market-ready results. The MAKE+ multidisciplinary applied research team, backed by state-of-the-art facilities, has supported 100s of companies and innovators in solving complex problems.

​Sponsors

​Combination Technologies

​HardTech is hard, and Combination makes it work. From startups developing new products to established companies pushing innovation forward, Combination brings the expertise to turn ideas into reality.

​Check out their past projects at the link below and reach out to Darius to learn more!

​https://combinationtechnologies.com/

​​What's included in a ticket?

• ​​Unconference badge and entrance

• ​​Morning coffee/tea, lunch, & snacks throughout the day

• ​​Invite to the Hardware Unconference Slack

​Parking at BCIT is not included, however there should be ample paid parking available on a Saturday.

​​Schedule

​​9:00 - Registration
9:30 - Opening and Introduction
10:00 - Session Pitching and Voting
11:00 - Scheduling / Demonstration
11:15 - Session 1
12:15 - Session 2
13:15 - Lunch
2:30 - Session 3
3:30 - Session 4
4:30 - Session 5
5:30 - Closing Remarks

​​Rules

​​Rule 1: Whoever comes are the right people.
Rule 2: Whenever it starts is the right time.
Rule 3: Wherever it happens is the right place.
Rule 4: Whatever happens is the only thing that could have.
Rule 5: If you find yourself in any situation where you are neither learning nor contributing, go to another session.
Rule 6: When it’s over, it’s over.

​Organizers

​Tony Jackson

​Tony has worked in the Vancouver hardware development space, from commercializing medical devices, setting up manufacturing lines, and leading early R&D projects. After attending the Polyglot Software Unconference in 2021, Tony was inspired to co-found the Hardware Unconference to bring together Vancouver's best hardware engineers. If you're excited about using technology to solve problems, in particular in the clean energy and automation space, talk to Tony!

​https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyaajjackson/

​Jun Park

​Jun graduated from UVic's Mechanical Engineering program and has worked developing renewable energy and building systems at Greenlane Renewables and Stantec. Jun founded and led the UVic Environmental Engineering Club and is excited about bringing together local prototyping capabilities to build awesome hardware right here in Vancouver. Jun co-founded the Hardware Unconference in 2024 and can't wait to see you all again this year!

​https://www.linkedin.com/in/junpark98/

​Dagan Schoen

​A hardware hacker through-and-through, Dagan can be found bending electricity to his will, whether through developing novel computer power electronics, TIG welding thick steel plates, or co-developing last year's Hardware Unconference smart PCB badge. A UBC Electrical Engineering graduate and former Captain of the Mars Colony team at UBC, Dagan has worked in renewable energy R&D at Agora Energy Technologies.

​https://www.linkedin.com/in/dagan-schoen-a942ab67/

​​Code of Conduct

​​We strive to be inclusive and keep events comfortable and fun for everyone. Our code of conduct follows the spirit of http://confcodeofconduct.com/. Our events are dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any venue, including talks, workshops, parties, Twitter and other online media. Participants violating these rules may be expelled at the discretion of the organizers. If we, the organizers, say or do something that makes you feel uncomfortable, please let us know.

​​Harassment includes offensive verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.

​​Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.

​​Sponsors are also subject to the anti-harassment policy. In particular, sponsors should not use sexualized images, activities, or other material. Speakers should not use sexualized clothing/uniforms/costumes, or otherwise create a sexualized environment.

​​If a participant engages in harassing behavior, the organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the event.

​​If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact an organizer immediately.

​​Organizers will be happy to assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe. We value your attendance.

​​We expect participants to follow these rules at our events.

​​Questions?

​​Reach out via email at vancouverhardwareunconference (at) gmail (dot) com or on X at @hwunconference.