TechShop Celebrates Grand Opening of ASU Chandler Innovation Center
Chandler, Ariz. and Menlo Park, Calif. (PRWEB) January 16, 2014 -- TechShop, a membership-based, do-it-yourself workshop and fabrication studio with locations nationwide, will celebrate the official grand opening of its Chandler location in Arizona State University’s Chandler Innovation Center on Friday, January 17. Kicking off the celebration in true maker style, Jim Newton, TechShop Founder, Dr. Michael M. Crow, ASU President, and Jay Tibshraeny, City of Chandler Mayor will cut into a special steel ribbon with a plasma torch. Festivities will continue into Saturday, January 18 with action-packed equipment demos and hands-on activities with several TechShop Chandler members including local businesses and entrepreneurs Arcology Now!, Desarollo, Local Motors, Mobile Safe Case and SITGREEN Furniture.
“Many young makers are drawn to TechShop to build their dreams, from a now patented walking aid that a high school student designed for her grandmother to the prototype of a prefabricated classroom for developing nations in the tropics that a team of college students created,” said Jim Newton, Founder of TechShop. “In our first academic partnership ever, we’re thrilled to bring the TechShop model to the next generation of makers and inventors at ASU and Chandler community.”
“ASU’s partnership with TechShop demonstrates our commitment to expanding entrepreneurship and innovation opportunities for our students and the community,” said Dr. Michael M. Crow, ASU President. "This makerspace will greatly benefit Chandler and the entire East Valley."
ASU’s College of Technology and Innovation (CTI) will offer memberships to students who are taking classes at the ASU Chandler Innovation Center, with discounted memberships available for other faculty and students. Anyone can become a member of TechShop Chandler.
“This is a first-of-its-kind opportunity in the nation for college students,” said Mitzi Montoya, Dean of ASU’s College of Technology and Innovation. “Beyond access to TechShop’s state-of-the-art tools, ASU students have a new community of entrepreneurs and inventors to collaborate with in the East Valley.”
The new makerspace also extends Chandler’s reputation as an innovation and creative corridor in the Southwest.
“This partnership aligns perfectly with the city’s strategic goals, and more importantly, we are looking forward to seeing the ‘next big thing’ emerge from the ASU Chandler Innovation Center,” said Mayor Jay Tibshraeny. “The City of Chandler is committed to boosting long-term economic growth by supporting entrepreneurship through innovative individuals and companies in our community.”
TechShop members have access to a world-class creative workspace and prototyping studio
with machines, tools, training, inspiration and support they need to pursue their passions, develop new skills and launch new businesses. More than $1 million worth of machines, tools and equipment; hundreds of classes each month for members and non-members; friendly, knowledgeable, highly trained staff and the community of innovative entrepreneurs gives makers the perfect place to bring their ideas to life.
About TechShop, Inc.
Founded in October 2006, TechShop is a membership-based, do-it-yourself (DIY) workshop and fabrication studio providing access to a vibrant community of creative people and more than $1 million worth of high quality machines, tools and software. TechShop offers classes, workshops, instruction and meet-ups for people of all ages and skill levels. TechShop is based in Menlo Park, Calif., with locations nationwide.
For information and course listings, visit http://www.techshop.com, email info(at)techshop.com or call 855-TECHSHOP. You can follow TechShop on Twitter at "@TechShop." TechShop is also on Facebook as "TechShop Incorporated."
About ASU’s College of Technology and Innovation
Arizona State University’s College of Technology and Innovation located on ASU’s Polytechnic campus, is making a new higher education experience that focuses on learning through making and solving real-world challenges through collaboration. With degrees in engineering and computer systems and human and environmental systems, CTI’s 600-acre campus is home to more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Learn more at innovation.asu.edu
About City of Chandler
Chandler, Arizona is an All-America City of 240,000 residents, known for its commitment to technology, innovative thinkers and the entrepreneurial spirit. Chandler is home to some of the most notable names in manufacturing, technology and business services and supports early stage companies by maintaining a City-funded technology incubator, Innovations. The City's K-12 schools are among the state's highest rated, with scores well above the state and national average. Chandler's global mind set supports a diversity of restaurants, places of worship, festivals and shopping choices. For more information, visit http://www.chandleraz.gov/ed
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Jessi Hibsman, ASU College of Technology and Innovation, http://innovation.asu.edu, +1 (480) 259-9443, [email protected]
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