Updates

Welcoming 2026: What’s Next for Make.org

Updates

Welcoming 2026: What’s Next for Make.org

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As we step into 2026, we wish you a good year - filled with new ideas, engagement, and meaningful connections. While democracy faces pressures - from local challenges to global developments - we are hopeful that this new year also brings opportunities to strengthen participation, dialogue, and innovative solutions.

For us at Make.org, 2026 already feels special. In April, we will celebrate 10 years of working to engage citizens in the positive transformation of our societies. This milestone is a moment to reflect on what we’ve achieved and, most importantly, to look ahead to what we can build together with citizens, institutions, and partners across Europe and beyond.

Here’s a look at what has shaped the start of the year for us, and what lies ahead in the months to come.

A Strong Start to the Year

The beginning of 2026 has already been rich in projects and collaborations that illustrate our mission in action.

🇨🇦 Engaging Youth and Experts on AI in Canada

We partnered with the Canadian Gen(Z)AI Youth Assembly on AI, contributing with our civic tech expertise to collect and analyse feedback from both young people and experts. The goal is to help inform the societal and policy dimensions of Canada’s AI strategy through inclusive participation.

🇨🇭 Rethinking Mandatory Service in Switzerland 

In Switzerland, we are supporting a large-scale national consultation exploring how mandatory military service could evolve into a broader civic service for all. This initiative invites young citizens to share ideas on how compulsory service could better serve communities, the environment, and social needs.

🛡️ Strengthening Democratic Resilience in Europe 

We welcomed the European Commission’s European Democracy Shield, a new strategy aimed at reinforcing democratic resilience across the EU. We highlight the essential role civic tech can play in supporting more transparent, inclusive, and trusted democratic processes, which fully aligns with our mission.

🎖️ Our Panoramic Platform in Action

2025 was a landmark year for our Panoramic platform, with major deployments at events such as the European Week of the Regions and Cities and the European Research & Innovation Days. The platform allows citizens to revisit conference content, explore debates, and access reliable sources.

✨ Looking Back at 2025

Last year marked a significant expansion of our impact:

  • Over 170,000 participants
  • More than 1.7 million votes
  • 37,000 proposals

These numbers reflect not only growth, but trust from citizens, partners, and institutions. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who made this possible.

What’s Coming Up Next

The months ahead will continue to be shaped by dialogue, innovation, and collaboration.

🤖 Political Tech Summit in Berlin 

On January 23–24, our CEO and co-founder Alicia Combaz, alongside our Germany Team Lead Alina Schütze, will take part in the Political Tech Summit in Berlin. The event explores how politics and technology can better work together to strengthen democratic systems.

🏛️The Price of Trust in the European Parliament 

On February 4, we will join The Price of Trust event at the European Parliament. The discussion will focus on the “three major ideas for democracy”, bringing together civil society, policymakers, and Members of the European Parliament to reflect on democracy in the regions and the future EU budget.

Looking Ahead

As we enter our tenth year, 2026 is not just about celebrating a milestone, it’s also about deepening our impact, experimenting with new democratic formats, and continuing to prove that technology can strengthen trust between citizens and institutions.

We look forward to meeting many of you throughout the year and to building the next chapter of Make.org together.

Here’s to a meaningful and ambitious 2026.