TechShop adds new ASU 'makerspace' to Chandler's growing innovation hub

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 ASU’s Chandler Innovation Center Jan. 17. 

Kicking off the celebration in true maker style, TechShop founder Jim Newton, ASU President Michael M. Crow and City of Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny will cut into a special steel ribbon with a plasma torch. Tours of the facility will follow the ribbon-cutting ceremony, scheduled for 8:30 a.m.

Festivities will continue from 11 a.m to 4 p.m., Jan. 18, with tours, action-packed equipment demos, hands-on activities and more. Several TechShop Chandler members will be joining the Saturday event, 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 Newton. “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 (in the) Chandler community.”

“ASU’s partnership with TechShop demonstrates our commitment to expanding entrepreneurship and innovation opportunities for our students and the community,” said Crow. "This makerspace will greatly benefit Chandler and the entire East Valley." 

ASU’s College of Technology and Innovation 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. A list of membership offers for Chandler can be found online.

“This is a first-of-its-kind opportunity in the nation for college students,” said Mitzi Montoya, dean of the 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 Tibshraeny. “The City of Chandler is committed to boosting long-term economic growth by supporting entrepreneurship through innovative individuals and companies in our community.”

RSVP for the grand opening celebration on Jan. 17 and get more info for the Saturday festivities on Jan. 18.