The Socratica Symposium (W25)
‼️ this event is now FULL. you are welcome to join the waitlist in case spots open. You can also get notified to watch the livestream here‼️
Cool work should be shared.
so we booked out a hockey arena to host the world’s greatest demo day: 70+ passion projects, from Iron Man suits to art installations!
Join 2,000+ of us to meet the creators behind:
Apples engineered to taste extra sweet
Microchips made in your living room
AirPods powered by your skin
An album unveiling Waterloo's hidden chambers
…and more!
Beginners and experts, locals and friends from afar, are flying in to share their work! This isn’t a hackathon or pitch event — it’s an open house for hidden gems in art, tech, engineering, and everything in between.
Free catered dinner included. Space is limited—RSVP required.
The Agenda
There are two types of demos that we are showing off at the Symposium:
Presentation demos (~5 minutes long): stage demos that are fun, vibrant and showing off people's progress on their projects. In the past we've featured
A half-scale cybertruck on stage
Live music performance showing off a songwriting process
A simulated attack on the electrical grid to show its vulnerability
“Science fair” booths: explore 70+ booths and projects across the venue! In the past we've featured:
Chips microfabricated in Waterloo
A face painting stall
Vegetables that grow themselves using Hydroponics
and so many more!
This is a large event. Doors will open at 5:00 PM
Toronto to Symposium Bus Line Tickets: https://lu.ma/symposiumline
Coming to Waterloo: https://welcome.socratica.info/
For finding housing, carpooling, and meeting other attendees: https://discord.gg/4wMPKCehDJ
Note: This event will feature bright lights, loud sounds, and smoke machines.
Getting There Together
Just a 15-minute walk from campus! Don't want to walk alone? Join one of our walking groups, skip the check in and start making friends before you even arrive:
🚶♂️ Walking Groups (5:00 PM)
CMH Cafeteria
Icon South Tower Lobby
E7 First Floor - C&D
V1 Caf
United College Cafeteria
Look for hosts wearing Socratica merch at each meeting point! Each group will take a 15-minute ~scenic walk~ to the venue together.
The Host Mindset
The Symposium is a celebration where everyone plays a part! When you join us, you're more than just an attendee; you're a host, a friend, a potential collaborator. We expect everyone to:
Welcome newcomers like old friends
Ask questions that spark imagination
Share in the collective joy of creation
Leave the space better than you found it
And if you see someone standing alone in a corner, go be their friend!
See you soon!! 😁✨💯🎉🔥
What is Socratica?
⁂ Socratica is an open collective of makers, artists, founders, researchers, designers, and everything in-between. A safe space for our shared love of making things.
You deserve to be here. We know it can be intimidating to start (we’ve been there). Great creative work is historically done together, across backgrounds and disciplines, in small, high trust groups. We’re at our best together, and you are invited. Ɛ>
The Fine Print
Socratica Etiquette
We expect you to follow our Code of Conduct. TL;DR, be curious, and be kind!
Media Release
We'll be taking photos and videos throughout the event for promotional purposes, so if you attend you may be recorded. By attending this event, you consent to being cool with the above, and that you won't hold us (or our sponsors/partners) responsible for any damages.
Sharing Your Info With Us
By registering for this event, you agree to share your registration responses with Socratica and our sponsors.