PhotoSparks is a weekly feature from YourStory, with photographs that celebrate the spirit of creativity and innovation. In this showcase, we feature the makers, designers, hobbyists, creators and artists at the Bangalore Mini Maker Faire!

In the earlier 60 posts, we brought you a wide range of creative photographs from an art fair, world music festival, painting fair, telecom expo, art museum, mobile showcase, math museum, social hackathon, bookstore, co-working space, sensorium, international design week, flower show, outdoor ads, startup roadshow, computer museum, startup T-shirts, business cards, art therapy, startup festival, Diwali rangoli, Vesak, jazz festival, modern art gallery, ecopreneurs, painter-poets, health activists, eNGOs and digital innovators.

The worlds of art and engineering came together at the Bangalore Mini Maker Faire during the recent NASSCOM Product Conclave (see my innovation takeaways and product showcase). Event partner Workbench Projects has hosted a number of similar events such as Maker Weekend at the Rangoli Metro Arts Centre, targeting curious students, talented tinkerers and mid-career professionals wanting to unleash their creative spirit.

While much attention on startups in India has focused on software, a range of hardware products is also emerging, some of which are converging with software thanks to trends like IoT (Internet of Things). The Mini Maker Faire featured gadgets using Arduino and Raspberry Pi, drones, model airplanes, robots, teaching kits, artistic installations, green tech, 3D printers, solar panels, visual electronics demos, haptic sensors, and even musical instruments made from trash!

Maker spaces and hardware hackathons are springing up in cities and towns across India, with additional support from academia and corporates. Take part in one of their meetups, join their volunteer list, learn or display a new skill, and promote the maker movement by setting up a local tinkerspace in your own city!

The fun and engaging Mini Faire featured student projects, veteran professors, T-shirt designers, kit makers and interactive artists – as showcased in this week’s photo essay.

Got a creative photograph to share? Email us at PhotoSparks@YourStory.com!

See also the YourStory pocketbook ‘Proverbs and Quotes for Entrepreneurs: A World of Inspiration for Startups,’ accessible as apps for Apple and Android devices.