Maker Faire Competitors

IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization and is a public charity dedicated to advancing technological innovation and excellence for the benefit of humanity. IEEE and its members inspire a global community through its highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities. IEEE is the trusted “voice” for engineering, computing and technology information around the globe. For information about the IEEE - visit http://www.ieee.org.

The Tech is a mission driven organization that develops the next generation of problem-solvers locally, nationally and globally, through the creation and distribution of world-class immersive STEAM education resources. We believe that everyone is born an innovator who can change the world for the better. The Tech draws its strength from its location at the center of Silicon Valley: from its founding and leadership, its mission and operating philosophy, its commitment to innovation and making a difference in the lives of young people. The Tech is truly a community resource that gives back to and draws power from the inspiring ecosystem it calls home. The Tech Interactive is a world class science and technology center in the heart of the Silicon Valley that welcomes over 250,000 visitors a year. Visitors are encouraged to explore the 130,000 square feet of hands-on activities, exploratory labs and design challenge experiences as well as interactive exhibits on climate change, robotics, innovations in healthcare, cybersecurity and more. The center is also home to the largest dome IMAX theater on the West Coast, offering educational films and the occasional Hollywood blockbuster. The Tech Challenge is the 35-year-old signature program of The Tech that invites teams of students in Grades 4-12 to use the engineering design process to solve a real-world problem. The Tech Academy is a dedicated professional development program for teachers to bring STEM curricula into classrooms throughout the Bay Area. The Tech For Global Good (formally the Tech Awards) have focused on inspiring problem solvers to tackle the planet’s toughest challenges, like climate change, clean water and access to health care. To support The Tech is to support an organization that is profoundly deepening its impact in Silicon Valley.

In 2003, CU student Nathan Seidle blew a power supply in his dorm room and found he could only order replacement parts in bulk. Since then, he has been on a mission to make electronics and supporting documentation available to individuals everywhere. Since the beginning, SparkFun has been committed to sustainably helping our world explore the edges of technology and achieve electronics literacy from our headquarters in Boulder, Colorado. No matter your vision, SparkFun's products and resources are designed to make the world of electronics more accessible. In addition to more than 2,000 open-source components and widgets, SparkFun offers online tutorials and training designed to help people use technology to solve problems, create products, and get creative. We're here to help you start something!