# Saad Chinoy — Make Things That Make Sense

*Singapore · Maker-at-Large*

**The Caffeine-Powered Creative. Technologist for the Common Good.**

I'm Saad Chinoy — a maker, systems designer, open-hardware advocate, and biomaker working at the intersection of art, science, and community. For what feels like a lifetime, I've been building tools, spaces, and practices that put technology in service of people — not the other way around.

## About

Equal parts barista, biologist, and systems thinker. SalvageGarden began in 2018 as a volunteer interest group I co-founded with a number of other volunteers, as a space where broken things become building blocks — where e-waste becomes educational kit and discarded hardware becomes assistive technology. It remained an interest group until it was formalised in 2022 with the help of LJ (Leong Chia Jang).

EdibleMakerspace is where that same salvage instinct meets food and citizen science — a DIY bio community space for fermentation, environmental sensing, and participatory design. Its current work includes CitizenQuack: sensor nodes inside 3D-printed ducks (or whatever creature the community chooses that month) whose posture, colour and quack change with what they are sensing — air quality, humidity, noise, and more — built from the FAB25 "Smart Citizen Meets Meshtastic" hackathon, and now feeding a Singapore node of PLANETAI.

My practice lives at the art-science boundary: co-creating tactile games with disability communities, fermenting SCOBY bioplastics, running microbial fuel cell workshops, and building open-source braille printers across Southeast Asia.

I believe open source is infrastructure for democracy. The recipe should always be shared.

### Guiding Principles

01. **Reflexive Making** — Constant questioning of the tool and the result.
02. **Frugal Innovation** — Maximising utility with minimal resources.
03. **Salvage-Design** — Repair, reuse, and repurpose over buying new.
04. **Inclusive Co-Creation** — Making with communities, not for them.
05. **Open Source as Empowerment** — Technical transparency as a social right.

## Timeline (2013–2026)

### 2026
- **Oct** — [International Repair Day events (Enabling Village & Punggol Library)](https://repairday.org/) [🗄️](archive/2026-repairday-home/) · Maker · _Workshop_ · `Tech Salvage`
- **Oct** — [GOSH 2026 (Kathmandu): Making DIY macro lens for smartphones](https://openhardware.science/gosh-2026-kathmandu-nepal/) [🗄️](archive/2026-gosh-kathmandu/) · Facilitator · _Workshop_ · `Open Governance`
- **Oct** — [Meshtastic field test, Kathmandu (GOSH 2026)](https://github.com/saadcaffeine/Meshtastic-GOSHkathmandu) [🗄️](archive/2026-meshtastic-goshkathmandu/) · Maker · _Project_ · `Tech Salvage`
- **Sep** — [Shaping Hearts 2026: SalvageGarden hands-on booth & SPD hexagonal-tile heart mural (Punggol Digital District)](https://shapinghearts.cdc.gov.sg/programmes/shaping-hearts-2026-exhibitions/punggol-digital-district/) [🗄️](archive/2026-shaping-hearts-punggol/) · Facilitator · _Festival_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **Sep** — SPD community arts activities: 3D-printed assistive painting aids & hexagonal alphabet tiles for the Shaping Hearts mural (various SPD centres) · Co-organizer · _Workshop_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **Jun** — [GIG: From Bhutan to Singapore — spreading an open-source Braille printer](https://globalinnovationgathering.org/2026/06/15/from-bhutan-to-singapore-spreading-an-open-source-braille-printer-across-southeast-asia-and-to-the-world/) [🗄️](archive/2026-gig-bhutan-braille/) · Featured · _Media_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **May** — [Open Hardware Summit 2026 (Berlin): ReMaking with 3DPrinter parts](https://2026.oshwa.org/workshops/170-lightning-talks/) [🗄️](archive/2026-ohs-remaking-lightning-talks/) · Speaker · _Speaking_ · `Open Governance`
- **May** — re:publica 2026 (Berlin): Imagine Dragons, AI Around Us, Error 418 · Speaker · _Speaking_ · `Open Governance`
- **Mar** — [FOSSASIA Summit 2026 (Bangkok) — incl. Community Day 8 Mar](https://summit.fossasia.org/) [🗄️](archive/2026-fossasia-home/) · Speaker · _Speaking_ · `Tech Salvage`
- **Jan** — 2026 Inclusion Roadmap · Author · _Strategy_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **Jan** — [MothboxSG (Citizen Science)](https://www.printables.com/model/1537968-mothbox-diy-v4) [🗄️](archive/2024-mothbox-printables/) · Technical Lead · _Project_ · `Bio Making`
- **—** — [Fab City Awards 2026](https://fab.city/awards/fab-city-awards-2026) [🗄️](archive/2026-fab-city-awards/) · Jury Member · _Advisory_ · `Open Governance`

### 2025
- **Dec** — [TechAble Enabling Lives Festival 2025: 3D printing & open-source Braille Embosser (Enabling Village, Village Green)](https://alvinology.com/2025/11/30/singapores-enabling-lives-festival-returns-for-its-5th-edition-as-enabling-village-marks-10th-anniversary/) [🗄️](archive/2025-enabling-lives-alvinology/) · Exhibitor · _Exhibition_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **Nov** — [FAN25 (Fab Asia Network): Prototyping Fab Cities](https://fab.city/) [🗄️](archive/2025-fab-city-home/) · Lead · _Workshop_ · `Tech Salvage`
- **Oct** — [i'mable × Salvage Garden](https://www.imable.sg/) [🗄️](archive/2025-imable-home/) · Strategy Lead · _Strategy_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **Oct** — [M.I.T. Sundays National Expansion](https://www.nlb.gov.sg/) [🗄️](archive/2025-nlb-home/) · Expansion Lead · _Milestone_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **Oct** — [i'mable (SG Enable) Panel](https://www.imable.sg/) · Advisor · _Advisory_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **Sep** — [d/acc Day, Ethereum Singapore Week 2025 (ArtScience Museum): 3D printed Opensource Assistive Devices — BrailleRAP & SalvageGarden](https://luma.com/pdvc1qmr) · Speaker · _Speaking_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **Sep** — d/acc Day, Ethereum Singapore Week 2025: panel discussion with Vitalik Buterin · Panelist · _Panel_ · `Open Governance`
- **Sep** — [ASM: Another World Is Possible](https://www.marinabaysands.com/museum/artscience-museum.html) · Contributing Artist · _Exhibition_ · `Critical Play` 🎨
- **Aug** — ASEAN Maker Gathering · Keynote · _Speaking_ · `Open Governance`
- **Jul** — [FAB25 Czechia (Brno / Prague): CitizenQuack & maker train](https://fab25.fabevent.org/) [🗄️](archive/2025-fab25-czechia/) · Participant · _Conference_ · `Tech Salvage`
- **Jul** — Street2Paradise (C&T Case Study) · Researcher · _Research_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **Jul** — [SpudnikLab Bali Science Kit](https://spudniklab.com/) [🗄️](archive/2025-spudniklab-home/) · Facilitator · _Workshop_ · `Digital Equity`
- **Jun** — [GOSH Community Call](https://openhardware.science/) [🗄️](archive/2025-openhardware-home/) · Leader · _Facilitator_ · `Open Governance`
- **Jun** — IASDR 2025 DESIGN NEXT (Taipei) · Presenter · _Conference_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **May** — ArtScience Museum: SalvageGarden outreach booth & participatory design talk · Facilitator · _Workshop_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **May** — [OSHWA: Re-making an Open Source Braille Printer](https://2025.oshwa.org/talks/170-saad-chinoy/) [🗄️](archive/2025-oshwa-braille-printer/) · Speaker · _Speaking_ · `Open Governance`
- **May** — [Make-a-thek / GIG Showcase](https://gig.global/) [🗄️](archive/2025-gig-home/) · Speaker · _Speaking_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **May** — BrailleRap Replication Strategy · Lead · _Strategy_ · `Open Governance`
- **May** — [re:publica 2025 (Berlin): Making Things That Make Sense — Repurposing 3D Printers for Good (w/ Stephen Kovats, Seda Seusing)](https://25.re-publica.com/de/session/making-things-make-sense-repurposing-3d-printers-good.html) [🗄️](archive/2025-republica-repurposing-3d-printers/) · Facilitator · _Workshop_ · `Tech Salvage`
- **May** — re:publica 2025 (Berlin): Solar Powered Website — Online when sunny · Facilitator · _Workshop_ · `Tech Salvage`
- **Apr** — Empowering Abilities / Assistive Tech Showcase (lyf Funan) · Co-creator · _Workshop_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **Apr** — [Curious Worlds: Brain & Body](https://www.marinabaysands.com/museum/events/curious-worlds.html) [🗄️](archive/2025-curious-worlds/) · Exhibitor · _Exhibition_ · `Inclusive Design` 🎨
- **Apr** — [Maker Faire Cairo 2025: BrailleRap live demonstration & Knowledge Hub session](https://globalinnovationgathering.org/2025/05/19/from-hands-on-creativity-to-global-connection-inside-maker-faire-cairo-2025/) [🗄️](archive/2025-maker-faire-cairo/) · Exhibitor · _Exhibition_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **Mar** — [FOSSASIA Circular Economy Panel — incl. BrailleRap workshop, 14 Mar](https://summit.fossasia.org/) · Moderator · _Speaking_ · `Tech Salvage`
- **Feb** — [CNA Profile: Makers of Singapore](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/) [🗄️](archive/2025-cna-home/) · Featured · _Media_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **Jan** — [ST Feature: SalvageGarden — 3D-printed limbs & tools](https://www.straitstimes.com/tech/3d-printed-limbs-tools-co-created-by-spore-non-profit-group-plug-assistive-tech-gaps) [🗄️](archive/2025-straitstimes-home/) · Co-founder · _Media_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **Jan** — [Bespoke Tools: Irene Lim](https://www.asiaautomate.com/articles/3d-printed-hands-tools-co-created-by-singapore-non-profit-group-plug-assistive-tech-gaps) [🗄️](archive/2025-bespoke-tools-asiaautomate/) · Co-Creator · _Project_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **Jan** — IAAC: Activating Communities — Hyperlocal Recycling, 3D Prints, and Inclusion · Guest Lecturer · _Guest Lecture_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **—** — [Fab City Awards 2025](https://fab.city/awards/fab-city-awards-2025) [🗄️](archive/2025-fab-city-awards-2025/) · Jury Member · _Advisory_ · `Open Governance`

### 2024
- **Dec** — [Fab City Global Initiative](https://fab.city/) · Contributor · _Advisory_ · `Open Governance`
- **Nov** — [BuildPeace 2024 (Manila): BrailleRap — Creating Community Technologies for Inclusive Peacebuilding](https://defyhatenow.org/fr/build-peace-2024-creating-community-technologies-for-inclusive-peacebuilding/) [🗄️](archive/2024-buildpeace-manila/) · Presenter · _Workshop_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **Oct** — [Smart Nation 2.0 launch (Punggol Digital District)](https://www.mddi.gov.sg/newsroom/smart-nation-2-press-release/) [🗄️](archive/2024-smart-nation-2/) · Attendee · _Launch_ · `Digital Equity`
- **Oct** — [NLB: Makers Next Door Profile](https://www.nlb.gov.sg/) · Featured · _Media_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **Oct** — lyf Sustainival pop-up booth (lyf One-North): prosthetic hands & 3D printing · Exhibitor · _Exhibition_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **Aug** — [UN Secretary-General visit to MakeIT (Punggol Regional Library)](https://www.mfa.gov.sg/newsroom/press-statements-transcripts-and-photos/20240830-unsg-visit-30-aug-2024/) [🗄️](archive/2024-unsg-makeit/) · Participant · _Visit_ · `Digital Equity`
- **Aug** — [BiodiverCities Challenge (Mexico)](https://challenge.fab.city/challenges/fab-city-challenge-mexico) [🗄️](archive/2024-biodivercities-fab-city/) · Winner · _Project_ · `Bio Making`
- **Aug** — [FAB24 México (Puebla): where the future CitizenQuack team first met](https://ediblemakerspace.com/citizenquack-sg/) [🗄️](archive/2024-ediblemakerspace-citizenquack/) · Participant · _Conference_ · `Open Governance`
- **Jul** — Slogan: Make Things That Make Sense · Author · _Philosophy_ · `Open Governance`
- **Jun** — Trotify (BikingHacks Coconut) · Maker · _Project_ · `Critical Play`
- **Jun** — [PlayPlayFair 2024 (Fusionopolis): inclusive game booth](https://www.origame.co/play-play-fair) [🗄️](archive/2024-playplayfair/) · Exhibitor · _Exhibition_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **May** — [re:publica 24: Constructive Care Cafe (DIY Caffeinator)](https://re-publica.com/de/session/constructive-care-cafe) [🗄️](archive/2024-republica-care-cafe/) · Co-Host (w/ Regina Sipos, Adriana Cabrera) · _Technical_ · `Tech Salvage`
- **May** — [re:publica 24: BrailleRap Bhutan — how we replicated an open-source braille printer and so can you](https://re-publica.com/de/session/braillerap-bhutan-how-we-replicated-opensource-braille-printer-and-so-can-you) [🗄️](archive/2024-republica-braillerap-bhutan/) · Speaker (w/ Felipe Schmidt Fonseca) · _Speaking_ · `Open Governance`
- **Apr** — [FOSSASIA Summit 2024 (Hanoi)](https://summit.fossasia.org/) · Speaker · _Speaking_ · `Tech Salvage`
- **Mar** — [GOSH Governance Roadmap](https://openhardware.science/) · Author · _Strategy_ · `Open Governance`
- **Jan** — Design Thinking at SJINML (NUS Enterprise) · Facilitator · _Guest Session_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **Jan** — AI in Frugal Innovation · Researcher · _Project_ · `Tech Salvage`

### 2023
- **Dec** — [SalvageGarden 5th Anniversary](https://salvagegarden.org/) [🗄️](archive/2023-salvagegarden-home/) · Co-founder · _Milestone_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **Nov** — Tactile TicTacToe T3 · Designer · _Project_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **Oct** — [GIG: Curating A Curious Mind](https://gig.global/) · Author · _Article_ · `Open Governance`
- **Sep** — Tactile Coin Holder (Punggol) · Designer · _Project_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **Sep** — "Intimacy with Nature" BioArt Workshop (Singapore Art Museum) · Facilitator · _Workshop_ · `Bio Making` 🎨
- **Sep** — [Urban Hosts 10 Years (Berlin, 29–30 Sep): frugal innovation overview](https://urbanhosts.org/when-where/) [🗄️](archive/2023-urban-hosts-when-where/) · Presenter · _Speaking_ · `Open Governance`
- **Aug** — Wikimania 2023 · Attendee / Contributor · _Conference_ · `Open Governance`
- **Jul** — Fab23 (Bhutan Challenge): Open Source Dzongkha BrailleRap · Lead · _Challenge_ · `Open Governance`
- **Jun** — [re:publica 2023 (Berlin): EcoPrints — BioPigments and SCOBY vegan Leather (w/ Nidhi Mittal)](https://re-publica.com/en/node/3015) [🗄️](archive/2023-republica-ecoprints/) · Facilitator · _Workshop_ · `Bio Making`
- **Jun** — [re:publica 2023 (Berlin): Internet of Meaningful Things — Assistive Tech IoT (Phoenix Hand)](https://re-publica.com/de/session/internet-meaningful-things-assistive-tech-iot) [🗄️](archive/2023-republica-iot-meaningful-things/) · Facilitator · _Workshop_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **Jun** — [PlayPlayFair 2023 (Fusionopolis): inclusive game booth](https://www.origame.co/post/play-play-fair-2023-recap) [🗄️](archive/2023-playplayfair/) · Exhibitor · _Exhibition_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **May** — Regional Inclusive Design Hubs · Lead · _Strategy_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **Mar** — FREAK lab: Microbial Fuel Cells · Facilitator · _Workshop_ · `Bio Making`
- **Feb** — NTU CCA IdeasFest III: "FOOD — Eat. Secure. Sustain." · Lecturer · _Speaking_ · `Bio Making`
- **Feb** — IdeasFest III: Vegan Leather · Facilitator · _Workshop_ · `Bio Making`
- **Jan** — [Punggol MakeIT Launch](https://www.nlb.gov.sg/) · Advisor · _Milestone_ · `Inclusive Design`

### 2022
- **Dec** — [SpudnikLab Regional Outreach](https://spudniklab.com/) · Lead · _Milestone_ · `Digital Equity`
- **Nov** — Critical Making for Social Good · Facilitator · _Workshop_ · `Open Governance`
- **Nov** — [Tolocar workshop, Truskavets, Ukraine — remote consultation (veterans & schoolchildren assistive making)](https://www.appropedia.org/Tolocar_Playbook/Truskavets) [🗄️](archive/2022-tolocar-truskavets/) · Consultant; Lead, Creative E-Waste Products · _Workshop_ · `Tech Salvage`
- **Oct** — Bali Fab Fest Workshop · Facilitator · _Workshop_ · `Tech Salvage`
- **Oct** — Rural ICT Camp (Tembok Village, Bali): community internet bamboo WiFi tower launch — joined for the last two days, travelling across from Bali Fab Fest · Participant · _Workshop_ · `Digital Equity`
- **Oct** — SCOBY Bio-materials Study · Lead · _Research_ · `Bio Making`
- **Aug** — Projector X: Picturehouse Launch · Creative Tech · _Technical_ · `Tech Salvage` 🎨
- **Jul** — [Dinacon: Bioplastics & SCOBY](https://dinacon.org/) [🗄️](archive/2022-dinacon/) · Facilitator · _Workshop_ · `Bio Making`
- **Jul** — [Dinacon: Papaya-based Coffee](https://dinacon.org/) · Facilitator · _Workshop_ · `Bio Making`
- **Jul** — ShroomMonitor (Fluffynator) · Co-Maker (w/ Cris Silva, Pramo, Brian) · _Project_ · `Bio Making`
- **Jun** — [re:publica 22: Cards Against Planet](https://re-publica.com/) [🗄️](archive/2022-republica-home/) · Creator · _Art_ · `Critical Play` 🎨
- **Mar** — Making with Meaning Panel · Panelist · _Speaking_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **Jan** — Critical Making Toolbox · Contributor · _Toolbox_ · `Open Governance`

### 2021
- **Dec** — Low-cost Screen Reader Hack · Technical Lead · _Project_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **Dec** — [Careables Online Exhibition (remote Chaos Experience rC3): tour & Q&A](https://media.ccc.de/v/rc3-2021-chaoszone-489-careables-online) [🗄️](archive/2021-careables-rc3/) · Presenter · _Exhibition_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **Apr** — Projector X: Riverside · Salvage Tech · _Milestone_ · `Tech Salvage` 🎨
- **Feb** — Remote Collaborative Making · Facilitator · _Workshop_ · `Digital Equity`

### 2020
- **Nov** — Careables Moving Exhibition (Engineering Good) · Exhibitor · _Exhibition_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **Sep** — Global BioSummit · Speaker & Lab Lead · _Summit_ · `Bio Making`
- **Aug** — [The Makers Club: Game On! digital launch — You don't need to know how to code to be a Maker](https://artsrepublic.sg/index.php/events/2020/08/you-dont-need-to-know-how-to-code-to-be-a-maker-a-comics-workshop) [🗄️](archive/2020-makers-club-artsrepublic/) · Facilitator · _Workshop_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **Jul** — Pandemic Maker Support · Lead · _Project_ · `Tech Salvage`
- **Apr** — DIY PPE (Flexible Filament) · Maker · _Project_ · `Tech Salvage`

### 2019
- **Nov** — [Tech for Good Singapore: assistive tech showcase](https://us9.campaign-archive.com/?u=704b91b3e98fb61383d9c218d&id=650e43784f) [🗄️](archive/2019-tech-for-good/) · Supporter · _Festival_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **Oct** — Singapore Maker Extravaganza 2019: Fermentation GutHub & OpenFlexure Microscopy · Exhibitor · _Exhibition_ · `Tech Salvage`
- **Sep** — [AFCC: Minecraft/Roblox Panel — also moderated Creating Transmedia Narratives (5 Sep) & Media Pitch panel (7 Sep)](https://www.bookcouncil.sg/) [🗄️](archive/2019-bookcouncil-home/) · Moderator · _Moderator_ · `Critical Play`
- **Apr** — AfricaOSH Summit (Dar es Salaam) · Delegate · _Summit_ · `Open Governance`
- **Mar** — [Open Hardware for All (GOSH)](https://openhardware.science/) · Speaker · _Speaking_ · `Open Governance`

### 2018
- **Dec** — SSMLab Final Gathering (Bishoftu) · Strategic Lead · _Milestone_ · `Open Governance`
- **Dec** — [35C3 (CCC): Jean Cloud](https://events.ccc.de/congress/2018/) [🗄️](archive/2018-35c3-wiki/) · Designer · _Art_ · `Critical Play` 🎨
- **Dec** — SSMLab Advocacy Whitepaper · Co-Author · _Publication_ · `Open Governance`
- **Nov** — The Caffeinator (Jogja) · Facilitator · _Workshop_ · `Bio Making`
- **Nov** — Imagine We (Kigali) Consultant · Consultant · _Technical_ · `Digital Equity`
- **Nov** — Kweeta/CIPESA (Kampala) · Collaborator · _Technical_ · `Digital Equity`
- **Oct** — [GOSH 2018 (Shenzhen)](https://openhardware.science/) · Advisor · _Advisory_ · `Open Governance`
- **Oct** — SSMLab Step Up (Addis Ababa) · Presenter · _Speaking_ · `Open Governance`
- **Aug** — [Maker Faire Singapore 2018: HackerspaceSG booths — Radio, Biology, Magnets and Microscopes](https://github-wiki-see.page/m/hackerspacesg/booths/wiki/Maker-Faire-2018) [🗄️](archive/2018-maker-faire-sg-wiki/) · Exhibitor · _Exhibition_ · `Tech Salvage`
- **Jun** — Nine Tales Launch · Systems Lead · _Technical_ · `Digital Equity`
- **Jun** — [Dinacon: Mud-Microbial Fuel Cell](https://dinacon.org/) · Researcher · _Project_ · `Bio Making`
- **May** — [re:publica 2018 (Berlin): Cloudy with a chance of HateSpeech (IoT CloudLamp)](https://18.re-publica.com/en/session/installation-cloudy-chance-hatespeech.html) [🗄️](archive/2018-republica-cloudy-hatespeech/) · Maker · _Installation_ · `Open Governance`

### 2017
- **Aug** — Microbial Fuel Cells (SG Hack & Tell) · Speaker · _Speaking_ · `Bio Making`
- **May** — [re:publica 17: "Darling leave a light on for me" — DIY interactive love letters](https://17.re-publica.com/en/tags/global-innovation-gathering-gig.html) [🗄️](archive/2017-republica-gig-tag/) · Facilitator (GIG Makerspace) · _Workshop_ · `Critical Play`
- **Mar** — "Path to Designing for Persons with Disabilities" (National Design Centre launch) · Speaker · _Launch_ · `Inclusive Design`
- **Feb** — Hacking the Future Workshop · Speaker · _Speaking_ · `Critical Play`
- **Jan** — DOKU:TECH 2017 · Speaker · _Talk_ · `Open Governance`

### 2016
- **Dec** — E-waste Artwork · Lead · _Milestone_ · `Tech Salvage`
- **Oct** — Under My Umbrella (Hackware) · Speaker · _Speaking_ · `Tech Salvage`
- **Sep** — Kathmandu Mini Maker Faire 2016 · Exhibitor · _Exhibition_ · `Tech Salvage`
- **Aug** — Singapore Night Festival 2016: Shy Jellyfish Umbrella & Spinny Thingie · Exhibitor · _Art_ · `Critical Play` 🎨
- **May** — [AFCC 2016: Immersive Storytelling — Augmented Reality and Games to Engage Young Adults (w/ Nataly Rios Goico)](https://afcc.com.sg/2016/page/writers-illustrators-conference-2016/) [🗄️](archive/2016-afcc-writers-illustrators/) · Speaker · _Speaking_ · `Critical Play`
- **Mar** — FOSSASIA 2016 (Singapore): IoT-Rex talk · Speaker · _Speaking_ · `Tech Salvage`

### 2015
- **Dec** — Titian Budaya (Kuala Lumpur) · Exhibitor · _Art_ · `Critical Play` 🎨
- **Jul** — Hackerspace Travelogues 2.0 · Speaker · _Speaking_ · `Open Governance`
- **Jun** — [Early Spudnik Experiments](https://spudniklab.com/) · Lead · _Project_ · `Digital Equity`
- **Jun** — Maker Faire Shenzhen 2015 · Exhibitor · _Exhibition_ · `Tech Salvage`
- **Jun** — [AFCC 2015: Storytelling from an App & Speed Pitching (Media)](https://afcc.com.sg/2015/programme/writers-illustrators-conference-2015/) [🗄️](archive/2015-afcc-writers-illustrators/) · Panelist · _Speaking_ · `Critical Play`
- **May** — SelfieMirror (ArtScience Late) · Exhibitor · _Art_ · `Critical Play` 🎨
- **May** — Butt-Activated Selfie Booth (Maker Faire) · Lead Maker · _Milestone_ · `Critical Play` 🎨
- **May** — [re:publica 2015 (Berlin): Global Innovators — Hacking culture, innovation spaces and start-up scenes](https://15.re-publica.com/en/session/global-innovators-hacking-culture-innovation-spaces-and-start-scenes-singapore-zimbabwe.html) [🗄️](archive/2015-republica-global-innovators/) · Speaker · _Speaking_ · `Open Governance`
- **May** — [re:publica 2015 (Berlin): Caffeinated Making](https://15.re-publica.com/en/member/3619.html) [🗄️](archive/2015-republica-caffeinated-making/) · Speaker · _Speaking_ · `Open Governance`

### 2014
- **Dec** — Singapore Maker Festival: Original Caffeinator · Maker · _Project_ · `Tech Salvage`
- **Dec** — [ArtScience Museum, Living Leonardos: DIY Selfie Printer booth (w/ Michelle Lye)](https://coconuts.co/singapore/lifestyle/modern-innovation-meets-da-vinci-singapore-maker-festival-2014/) [🗄️](archive/2014-maker-festival-coconuts/) · Exhibitor · _Art_ · `Critical Play` 🎨
- **Aug** — DIYSUB Surabaya: Caffeinator · Facilitator · _Workshop_ · `Tech Salvage`
- **Jun** — [Yogyakarta Meeting on Open Culture and Critical Making: Edible Book Workshop (HONFablab) & Open Knowledge panel](https://cis-india.org/news/yogyakarta-meeting-on-open-culture-and-critical-making) [🗄️](archive/2014-yogyakarta-open-culture/) · Facilitator · _Workshop_ · `Open Governance`
- **—** — [Chief Geek, Tusitala (RLS) Pte Ltd — mobile digital publishing platform](https://afcc.com.sg/2014/lightbox_speaker/saad-chinoy) · Chief Geek · _Role_ · `Digital Equity`

### 2013
- **Jul** — Mini Maker Faire Singapore Debut · Exhibitor · _Milestone_ · `Critical Play`
- **—** — Entry: The Maker Movement Begins · Origin · _Milestone_ · `Critical Play`

## Evergreen Projects

### M4tch
*Designer · Inclusive Design*
Tactile Connect Four variant — a game everyone can play.

### Recreator3D & Polyformer
*Maker · Tech Salvage*
Building and deploying open-source PET bottle-to-filament machines for hyperlocal plastic recycling — closing the loop between waste and 3D printing material at community scale.

### Kombucha SCOBY Vegan Leather
*Maker · Bio Making*
Growing biomaterial from kombucha culture — fermenting SCOBY into flexible, leather-like sheets as a zero-waste alternative to petrochemical textiles.

### The Caffeinator
*Maker · Tech Salvage*
Upcycled cold brew machine. The OG build. Shown at Singapore Maker Festival 2014 and across Southeast Asia.

### Selfiebooth
*Maker · Critical Play*
Raspberry Pi kiosk. Butt-activated. Exhibited at Maker Faire 2015.

### [GutBox](https://github.com/saadcaffeine/gutBox)
*Maker · Bio Making*
Fermentation controller for the curious home scientist.

### ShroomMonitor (Fluffynator)
*Co-Maker · Bio Making*
Mushroom cultivation monitor built with Cris Silva, Pramo, and Brian at Dinacon 2022. Grown, not bought.

### [Doodle3D SG](https://github.com/saadcaffeine/Doodle3D-Transform-SG)
*Developer · Tech Salvage*
Revives an orphaned open-source project — adapting Doodle3D Transform to run offline or in remote environments via Raspberry Pi, making 2D-to-3D drawing accessible without reliable internet.

### BrailleRap SG
*Maker · Inclusive Design / Tech Salvage*
Open-source braille embossing printer built from a repurposed 3D printer, 3D-printed parts, stepper motors and a solenoid. Replicated from Fab23 Bhutan through Singapore — Singapore's first makerspace-assembled BrailleRap — and the Philippines, with work toward Cameroon, Thailand and Cambodia. Building manual, firmware, STL files and translation software are shared openly.

### FoldedFlex & DBDC — next braille concepts
*Maker · Inclusive Design*
Two low-cost refreshable braille concepts following BrailleRap, listed here as concepts, not finished devices:

- **[FoldedFlex](https://github.com/saadcaffeine/foldedflex)** — v0.1 test-strip design for a folded flex-PCB coil actuator. Design-rule checked, but not yet fabricated, folded or tested.
- **[DBDC](https://github.com/saadcaffeine/dbdc)** — v0.2 prototype design for a 3D-printable display using one printed cam disc and one small DC motor per cell, instead of six piezo actuators. Fully modelled and print-ready, but not yet built or tested.

## Talks & Speaking

### 2026

- **Talk** — [re:publica 2026 (Berlin): "Imagine Dragons: Critical Participatory Co-Design"](https://re-publica.com/de/session/imagine-dragons-critical-participatory-co-design-strange-camera) · Speaker, with Regina Sipos & Daniel Wessolek
- **Talk** — [re:publica 2026 (Berlin): "AI Around Us"](https://re-publica.com/de/session/ai-around-us-tools-markets-and-future-work) · Speaker, with Fadia Elgharib & Salih Mahmod
- **Talk** — [re:publica 2026 (Berlin): "Error 418: The First Webcam"](https://re-publica.com/de/session/error-418-first-webcam) · Speaker
- **Talk** — [Open Hardware Summit 2026 (Berlin): “ReMaking with 3DPrinter parts”](https://2026.oshwa.org/workshops/170-lightning-talks/) · Speaker (lightning talk)
- **Talk** — FOSSASIA Summit 2026 (Bangkok) — incl. Community Day 8 Mar · Speaker

### 2025

- **Talk** — [d/acc Day, Ethereum Singapore Week 2025 (ArtScience Museum): "3D printed Opensource Assistive Devices" — BrailleRAP & SalvageGarden](https://luma.com/pdvc1qmr) · Speaker
- **Panel** — d/acc Day, Ethereum Singapore Week 2025: panel discussion with Vitalik Buterin · Panelist
- **Panel** — FOSSASIA Summit 2025: Circular Economy Panel — incl. BrailleRap workshop · Moderator
- **Workshop** — [re:publica 2025 (Berlin): "Making Things That Make Sense — Repurposing 3D Printers for Good"](https://25.re-publica.com/de/session/making-things-make-sense-repurposing-3d-printers-good.html) · Facilitator, with Stephen Kovats & Seda Seusing
- **Workshop** — re:publica 2025 (Berlin): "Solar Powered Website — Online when sunny" · Facilitator
- **Exhibition** — [Maker Faire Cairo 2025: BrailleRap live demonstration & Knowledge Hub session](https://globalinnovationgathering.org/2025/05/19/from-hands-on-creativity-to-global-connection-inside-maker-faire-cairo-2025/) · Exhibitor
- **Guest Lecture** — IAAC: "Activating Communities — Hyperlocal Recycling, 3D Prints, and Inclusion" · Guest Lecturer
- **Talk** — [Open Hardware Summit 2025: "Re-making an Open Source Braille Printer"](https://2025.oshwa.org/talks/170-saad-chinoy/) · Speaker
- **Conference** — IASDR 2025 DESIGN NEXT (Taipei) · Presenter
- **Exhibition** — ["Another World Is Possible" (ArtScience Museum) — global premiere, alongside Björk, Liam Young, and Serwah Attafuah](https://www.marinabaysands.com/museum/exhibitions/another-world-is-possible.html) · Contributing Artist
- **Exhibition** — [Curious Worlds (ArtScience Museum) — assistive tech showcase, ArtScience Lab](https://www.marinabaysands.com/museum/events/curious-worlds.html) · Exhibitor

### 2024

- **Workshop** — [BuildPeace 2024 (Manila): "BrailleRap — Creating Community Technologies for Inclusive Peacebuilding"](https://defyhatenow.org/fr/build-peace-2024-creating-community-technologies-for-inclusive-peacebuilding/) · Presenter
- **Challenge** — Fab City Challenge 2024 (Mexico): "BiodiverCiudades / Fabricating Equity" · Winner
- **Talk** — FOSSASIA Summit 2024 (Hanoi) · Speaker
- **Guest Session** — Design Thinking at SJINML (NUS Enterprise) · Facilitator
- **Workshop** — [re:publica 24: "BrailleRap Bhutan — how we replicated an open-source braille printer and so can you"](https://re-publica.com/de/session/braillerap-bhutan-how-we-replicated-opensource-braille-printer-and-so-can-you) · Speaker, with Felipe Schmidt Fonseca
- **Workshop** — [re:publica 24: "Constructive Care Cafe" — building the DIY Caffeinator](https://re-publica.com/de/session/constructive-care-cafe) · Co-Host, with Regina Sipos & Adriana Cabrera

### 2023

- **Challenge** — Fab23 (Bhutan Challenge): Open Source Dzongkha BrailleRap · Lead
- **Workshop** — [re:publica 2023 (Berlin): "EcoPrints — BioPigments and SCOBY vegan Leather"](https://re-publica.com/en/node/3015) · Facilitator, with Nidhi Mittal
- **Workshop** — [re:publica 2023 (Berlin): "Internet of Meaningful Things — Assistive Tech IoT"](https://re-publica.com/de/session/internet-meaningful-things-assistive-tech-iot) · Facilitator
- **Talk** — [Urban Hosts 10 Years (Berlin): frugal innovation overview](https://urbanhosts.org/when-where/) · Presenter
- **Lecture** — NTU CCA IdeasFest III: "FOOD — Eat. Secure. Sustain." · Lecturer
- **Conference** — Wikimania 2023 · Attendee / Contributor
- **Workshop** — "Intimacy with Nature" BioArt Workshop (Singapore Art Museum) · Facilitator

### 2022

- **Workshop** — Bali Fab Fest Workshop · Facilitator

### 2020 – 2021

- **Summit** — Global BioSummit · Speaker & Lab Lead

### 2017 – 2019

- **Installation** — [re:publica 2018 (Berlin): "Cloudy with a chance of HateSpeech" (IoT CloudLamp)](https://18.re-publica.com/en/session/installation-cloudy-chance-hatespeech.html) · Maker
- **Summit** — AfricaOSH Summit (Dar es Salaam) · Delegate
- **Launch** — "Path to Designing for Persons with Disabilities" (National Design Centre launch) · Speaker
- **Talk** — DOKU:TECH 2017 · Speaker
- **Workshop** — [re:publica 17: "Darling leave a light on for me" — DIY interactive love letters](https://17.re-publica.com/en/tags/global-innovation-gathering-gig.html) · Facilitator, GIG Makerspace

### 2016

- **Talk** — [AFCC 2016: "Immersive Storytelling — Augmented Reality and Games to Engage Young Adults"](https://afcc.com.sg/2016/page/writers-illustrators-conference-2016/) · Speaker, with Nataly Rios Goico
- **Talk** — FOSSASIA 2016 (Singapore): IoT-Rex · Speaker

### 2015

- **Talk** — [re:publica 2015 (Berlin): "Global Innovators — Hacking culture, innovation spaces and start-up scenes"](https://15.re-publica.com/en/session/global-innovators-hacking-culture-innovation-spaces-and-start-scenes-singapore-zimbabwe.html) · Speaker
- **Talk** — [re:publica 2015 (Berlin): "Caffeinated Making"](https://15.re-publica.com/en/member/3619.html) · Speaker
- **Panel** — [AFCC 2015: "Storytelling from an App" & Speed Pitching (Media)](https://afcc.com.sg/2015/programme/writers-illustrators-conference-2015/) · Panelist
- **Exhibition** — SelfieMirror (ArtScience Late) · Exhibitor

## Network & Advisory

- **[SpudnikLab](https://spudniklab.com/)** — Co-founder. Digital equity through hands-on learning
- **[SalvageGarden](https://salvagegarden.org/)** — Co-founder. Repair culture & inclusive making since 2018; formalised in 2022 with the help of LJ (Leong Chia Jang)
- **[EdibleMakerspace](https://ediblemakerspace.com/)** — Co-founder. DIY bio, food and citizen science; current work includes CitizenQuack and the PLANETAI Singapore node
- **[GOSH Community Council](https://openhardware.science/)** — Community Council Member · since 2024. Gathering for Open Science Hardware
- **r0g_agency / SSMLab** — Advisory Board Member · since 2018. Open tech for Africa & Asia
- **[GIG — Global Innovation Gathering](https://gig.global/)** — Advisory Board Member. Grassroots tech communities worldwide
- **[Fab City Global Initiative](https://fab.city/)** — Contributor. Locally productive, globally connected cities
- **[OSHWA — Open Source Hardware Association](https://www.oshwa.org/)** — Member. Global open hardware standards & community
- **[AfricaOSH](https://africaosh.com/)** — Delegate · since 2018. Open science hardware across the African continent

## Contact

I'm open to collaborations in inclusive design, open hardware, bio-making, education, and creative tech. If your project has a soul and values the process as much as the product — let's talk.

**Primary:**
- [LinkedIn](https://linkedin.com/in/saadchinoy)
- [All Links](https://linktr.ee/saadcaffeine)

**Social & community:**
- [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/saadcaffeine.bsky.social)
- [GitHub](https://github.com/saadcaffeine)
- [Hackaday](https://hackaday.io/saadcaffeine)
- [Instagram](https://instagram.com/saadcaffeine)
- [Cults3D](https://cults3d.com/en/users/saadcaffeine)
- [Printables](https://www.printables.com/@saadcaffeine)
- [Thingiverse](https://www.thingiverse.com/saadcaffeine)
- [FabLabs.io](https://fablabs.io/users/saadcaffeine)

---

© 2026 Saad Chinoy · @saadcaffeine · Made with coffee (the real thing)  
*Technologist for the Common Good.*

[View the interactive version →](https://ediblemakerspace.com/about/)