To Jeff Moy, 91制片厂鈥檚 new Makerspace and Entrepreneur Center is about far
more than 3D printers, laser cutters and CNC mills.
鈥淭his is about creating a community that will inspire people,鈥� Moy said. 鈥淏y giving them the education and mentoring to innovate, we鈥檙e helping to maximize the potential of a person. It鈥檚 really about an individual making their dream come true.鈥�
A partnership between 91制片厂 and the Golden Corridor MakerSpace, the center aims to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, inventors and engineers to pursue their creative passions and bring their ideas to life by building a vibrant and engaging platform of tools, community, programming and mentoring.
The community is invited to explore the innovation hub at an upcoming Open House from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, August 15. The center is located in Building H, Room H130, on 91制片厂鈥檚 main campus, 1200 W. Algonquin Road in Palatine.
While library makerspaces are not uncommon, they鈥檙e typically not for commercial purposes. 91制片厂鈥檚 Makerspace and Entrepreneur Center not only allows patrons to sell their fabricated goods, it encourages it.
91制片厂鈥檚 center also differs from many others because of the mentoring component. Visitors meet with Moy at the 鈥済enius bar,鈥� where he provides guidance on how best to take a concept to a working prototype. Moy, who came out of retirement to help launch the center, previously worked as vice president for business development at Samsung. He also started various businesses including software and franchising companies.
So far, members are coming to the Makerspace with a few different objectives, according to Moy. First is the entrepreneur who needs a more professional space. 91制片厂鈥檚 center offers coworking options in which members can book meeting rooms and work in a bright, inviting environment. Second is the person who has a curiosity and passion for learning and technology. In one case, a woman worked with Moy to produce specialty parts for her company; the process inspired her to personally join and learn more.
Third is the person trying to bring an idea to life. The center serves as a business incubator and accelerator in which experts help strategize about design, materials to use, fabrication options, and development and testing strategies.
91制片厂 alum Adam Coonich is a Makerspace member working to prototype an idea he has related to the automotive industry. He appreciates tapping into the staff鈥檚 experience and knowledge.
鈥淭he extra minds to bounce ideas off of and test out the new and creative vs. practical and proven is a huge benefit to making progress,鈥� Coonich said.
The center serves as a lab for 91制片厂鈥檚 Entrepreneurship Certificate Program, and
numerous other students are taking advantage of the space, as well. Aleska Schwartz
designed a 3D model of a chocolate mold that was used to provide treats at the college鈥檚
Explore Engineering event. Fashion design student Yesenia Guzman laser cut acrylic
to make custom earrings and necklaces to accessorize the outfits she made for the
spring 2019 Fashion Show.
鈥淭he jewelry definitely gave an oomph to the whole look,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檓 excited to try different things.鈥�
Whether people are simply looking to tinker or are ready to ramp up their business, Moy said the Makerspace will fit whatever stage they鈥檙e at.
鈥淲hen you want to go to the next level, we鈥檙e here for you,鈥� Moy said.