IMPACT of Innovation Labs
While housed in the Ritchie School the Innovation Labs serve more than just Engineering and Computer Science. Our team works with all students, faculty, staff, alums, industry and the community to create truly interdisciplinary collaborations and foster a spirit of entrepreneurship and creativity.
The DU Innovation Labs consists of roughly 10,000 square feet made up of three maker spaces and two coworking/event spaces, and a design and prototyping business known as the microFactory within the Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science. The Innovation Labs are open to all students, faculty, staff and alumni at the University of Denver.
The Innovation Labs employs 50 student workers, 1 full-time staff, and a part-time faculty member. Student staff work across 5 units: operations, marketing and events, human resources, accounting, and maintenance, offering students a broad range of dynamic employment and learning opportunities. The makerspaces serve 850 students per month with 50% of these students coming from other schools and departments across campus (e.g. art, business, music, and theatre). The makerspaces are open 75 hours per week.
Innovation Labs equals BIG Impact
Impact for Students
Supporting Student Programs & Initiatives
The Innovation Labs Maker Space has become home to many student startups as well as clubs. It allows students to prototype and design while having the support and expertise of Innovation Labs facilitators.
Impact for Faculty and Staff
Supporting Faculty Research & Staff
We work with Faculty across DU to bring creativity and innovation to curriculum like when Anthropology students used our 3D Printers to create artifacts. Faculty and student researchers work with us to create functional elements for their research as well. Staff have full access to the Innovation Labs resources and are producing a variety of creative works.
Impact for Community and Alums
A Place for Community and Alums to Engage
The Innovation Labs has supported countless Community Projects providing supplies, materials, and design expertise. We support several K-12 programs year after year. Alums have free access to the Innovation Labs. Alums have the best stories to share and our Innovation Labs community is a perfect place to share their wisdom. Whether it's speaking to a club or delivering a workshop we give alums a venue and audience to engage with our DU Community.
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Impact for Industry and Careers
Where Industry Connects with Students
Whether an organization has new tech to showcase, are recruiting interns and employees, or want to share a workshop we make it happen. The Innovation Labs has supported dozens of industry partners in developing new technologies and products.
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Innovation Labs IMPACT
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Innovating with Blind Institute of Technology
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Middle School Girls with Gadgets
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Course Projects
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Designing for Denver Zoo Bat Enclosures
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