The University of Delaware MakerGym is scheduled to open in fall 2019 in Pearson Hall. The plans for the state-of-the-art MakerGym feature equipment, tools, training and other resources for project-based instruction. It will be a central hub for UD's Innovation, Design and Entrepreneurship Action (IDEA) Network and will connect the UD community with resources and maker spaces.

As part of UD's Maker Initiative, the IDEA Network is offering $25,000 grants to UD faculty to fund equipment and training that will also enhance the IDEA Network’s resources. Once purchased, the equipment will stay in the professor’s space, lab or their maker space within her or his department. The professor agrees to allow sharing of the equipment as a resource to the MakerGym community (by appointment). Ownership of the equipment remains with the MakerGym. If a professor leaves UD or no longer wants the equipment, the equipment stays with MakerGym. The purpose of this arrangement is to make the best use of all resources.

Further details and information is included in the application for The IDEA Network Grant proposal, which is due by May 24.

The concept of an IDEA network began in 2015 when resourcing equipment and tools became somewhat isolated as every college set up workspaces centered on their research. “It was important for the IDEA Network to be connected throughout the University for sharing resources and collaboration,” said Mohsen Badiey, who works in the College of Engineering. “Also, a unique aspect of the UD's Maker Space is having access to Horn Entrepreneurship to provide students an additional edge in pursuit of their higher education.”

About Horn Entrepreneurship

Horn Entrepreneurship serves as the University of Delaware’s creative engine for entrepreneurship education and advancement. Built and actively supported by successful entrepreneurs and thought leaders, Horn Entrepreneurship empowers aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs as they pursue new ideas for a better world. For further information, please visit: https://research.udel.edu/research-development/funding-opportunities/internal-funding/idea-network-grants/