  Equipment shortages in Africa undermine Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics (STEM) Education. We have pioneered the LabHackathon (LabHack): a
novel initiative that adapts the conventional hackathon and draws on insights
from the Open Hardware movement and Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI).
LabHacks are fun, educational events that challenge student participants to
build frugal and reproducible pieces of laboratory equipment. Completed designs
are then made available to others. LabHacks can therefore facilitate the open
and sustainable design of laboratory equipment, in situ, in Africa. In this
case study we describe the LabHackathon model, discuss its application in a
pilot event held in Zimbabwe and outline the opportunities and challenges it
presents.
