08-16, 17:00–18:30 (US/Eastern), Workshop A / Tobin 219
This hands-on workshop introduces participants to ESPHome, an open-source platform for integrating ESP32 microcontrollers with home automation systems. Participants will learn the fundamentals of configuring ESPHome YAML files to control inputs and outputs, connect to Wi-Fi, enable remote access, perform over-the-air (OTA) updates, integrate with Home Assistant, and add external sensors or components. Attendees will walk away with the knowledge to create their own simple IoT solutions using ESPHome. No programming or soldering skills are required, making this workshop highly accessible to beginners and anyone curious about home automation.
As the leader of the Internet Freedom team at Google’s Jigsaw, Vinicius Fortuna develops cutting-edge tools to fight digital censorship — most notably Outline VPN, which provides uncensored access to millions. Previously at Google Search his team pioneered the Knowledge Panels, transforming how over a billion people engage with online information. Earlier, he led an innovative location-based MMO mobile game before smartphones existed. After discovering a passion for electronics at a past HOPE event, he now leverages his extensive software and product development expertise to make technology more accessible through workshops like these.
