Mind Catapult

Mind Catapult is a non-profit organization dedicated to learning and teaching practical skills and know-how that can empower people to make things themselves, focusing on topics that contribute to environmental sustainability, responsible re-use, and positive social change. Founded by Jeremy Seitz and Helge Baurecker in 2021, the membership (around 25 people) is mostly made up of tech leaders and engineers. They meet once per year for a 3-day offsite event, where they learn and practice skills and then build something ambitious together. Everything is documented and published after the event (how-to guides, videos, plans and source code) for others to learn from and build upon. This year, we are focusing on clean energy and creative re-use of second-hand and recycled materials. The team will learn and experiment with solar and wind generation, off-grid power storage and use, welding metal, repairing devices, and making art. The end result will be a 4-6 meter tall tower, powered by clean energy, in an interactive and animated art piece built essentially from common parts and recycled things. Mind Catapult is planning to have the tower displayed in public, which can start a conversation about practical energy harvesting and re-use, and spread the knowledge that is documented from the event.