Events

IEEE Region 4 Humanitarian Technologies Workshop Building Local Humanitarian Impact through IEEE SIGHT and Project Development Dates: August 7–9, 2026 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Invite-Only Event Interested participants should contact their IEEE Section Chair to be considered for nomination. Each IEEE Region 4 Section will nominate one representative to attend the workshop. Registration will be coordinated at a later date by the IEEE CEE --------------------------------------------------------------- IEEE Humanitarian Technologies — Technology for Social Impact IEEE Humanitarian Technologies (IEEE HT) is a global consortium of programs and initiatives that applies technology to the world's most pressing challenges while advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). IEEE HT provides resources, partnerships, mentorship, and funding opportunities that enable IEEE volunteers and technical professionals to create sustainable, community-driven impact around the world. Learn more: (https://ieeeht.org/) Key Programs and Opportunities - IEEE SIGHT (Special Interest Group on Humanitarian Technology) – A global network of IEEE volunteers partnering with underserved communities to leverage technology for sustainable development. (https://sight.ieee.org/) - IEEE Tech4Good – Funding opportunities for IEEE members applying their technical expertise to address local community challenges. - HT & ITU GenAI for Good Challenge – A global initiative promoting the responsible use of Generative AI for humanitarian impact. - Community Partnerships & Volunteering – Opportunities to collaborate with local community organizations while leveraging funding from IEEE HT programs, industry, government, and non-government organizations to build sustainable humanitarian projects. SIGHT groups can be established at the Section level with a minimum of six IEEE members at no additional membership cost. If your Section does not yet have a SIGHT group, this workshop provides an excellent opportunity to learn how to establish one. --------------------------------------------------------------- About the Workshop IEEE Region 4 is hosting its inaugural Humanitarian Technologies Workshop to help Sections build sustainable humanitarian technology programs that create measurable community impact. Approximately 30 participants (one representative from each Region 4 Section) will participate in this interactive workshop focused on leadership development, project creation, funding opportunities, and establishing or strengthening IEEE SIGHT groups. Workshop Schedule The event spans three days, with approximately 1½ days of workshop activities. Friday – August 7 - Participant arrival and hotel check-in - Registration - Evening welcome reception, networking, and informal discussions Saturday – August 8 - Full-day interactive workshop - IEEE Humanitarian Technologies overview - IEEE SIGHT formation, governance, and leadership - Funding opportunities and successful project examples - Collaborative roundtable discussions - Humanitarian project development activities Sunday – August 9 - Morning working session - Project roadmap development - Action planning and next steps - Workshop concludes by 12:00 PM, allowing participants to depart Sunday afternoon --------------------------------------------------------------- Workshop Objectives Participants will: - Gain a comprehensive understanding of IEEE Humanitarian Technologies programs, funding opportunities, and available resources. - Receive hands-on training on establishing and growing an IEEE SIGHT group, including governance, leadership models, and successful real-world examples. - Collaborate with peers to identify local community needs and explore technology-enabled humanitarian solutions. - Develop a practical humanitarian technology project concept together with a funding proposal roadmap. - Leave with a concrete action plan to launch or expand humanitarian technology initiatives within their local IEEE Section. --------------------------------------------------------------- Participant Commitment The nominated representative is expected to serve as the Humanitarian Technology Champion for their IEEE Section and act as the liaison with the IEEE Region 4 Humanitarian Technology Committee through 2026. Following the workshop, participants are expected to: - Promote and organize humanitarian technology engagement within their Section. - Form a new IEEE SIGHT group or strengthen an existing one. - Build partnerships with local community organizations. - Develop humanitarian technology projects that address community needs. - Submit at least one proposal for funding through an IEEE Humanitarian Technologies program. --------------------------------------------------------------- Action Requested from Section Chairs Please identify one representative from your Section to attend the August 7–9 workshop in Indianapolis—someone who is passionate about community impact and willing to champion humanitarian technology initiatives locally. Formal nomination instructions and registration details will be shared in a follow-up communication. We strongly encourage Section Chairs to use this opportunity to establish a Section Humanitarian Technology Coordinator role within their Section. The individual selected to attend this workshop would be an ideal candidate to lead humanitarian technology activities, serve as the primary liaison with IEEE Region 4 Humanitarian Technologies, and spearhead the formation of an IEEE SIGHT group if one does not already exist. Together, we can strengthen IEEE's commitment to advancing technology for humanity by building local partnerships, empowering volunteers, and creating sustainable solutions that benefit our communities. --------------------------------------------------------------- Questions? Ranjit Ramakrishnan Nair IEEE Region 4 Humanitarian Technology Coordinator Email: [email protected] Co-sponsored by: IEEE Humanitarian Technologies Board 120 W Market St, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States, 46204