State Approves $10M in Funding for Makerspace at NJIT

NEWARK, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com

The New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) will receive $10 million in funding for the university’s Makerspace as part of the approved State budget for Fiscal Year 2018.

Makerspaces are part of a national movement that is fundamentally changing the way government, educators and industry partners will collaborate in the future and have become an integral part of teaching, learning and industry relationships.

NJIT President Joel S. Bloom said, “Makerspaces are a significant educational, research and economic development tool and the NJIT Makerspace will be the largest one serving the State of New Jersey. This funding will enable engineers and technicians to meet many of their business needs and will be a catalyst for economic growth, innovation and workforce development.”

Through hands-on, project-based learning complemented by training on industrial equipment, development of prototyping skills and experience with modern manufacturing technology, the NJIT Makerspace will provide opportunities for industrial partners to participate as mentors, trainers and instructors. Companies can collaborate with students and faculty members on research and development projects or send employees for customized training tailored to their needs. The NJIT Makerspace, which will be open to the public, will offer training courses in a variety of formats ranging from small-group sessions to full-scale courses covering major manufacturing equipment and technologies. Courses and workshops will be offered as part of certificate programs or stand-alone units and can be delivered in a variety of formats matching the needs of a manufacturer or employer.

Key features of the NJIT Makerspace will include:

● Product design and prototyping
● Industry Standard Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Machining (CAM) Software
● CNC machining
● Additive manufacturing (3D printing)
● Metalwork and welding
● Electronics design, assembly and manufacturing
● Industrial metrology (measurement and verification)

NJIT would like to thank State Senator Paul A. Sarlo (D-Bergen) and Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick (R-Union) as well as numerous industry leaders including the Research and Development Council of New Jersey; ExxonMobil Research and Engineering; Sharp Robotics; Specialty Systems, Inc.; Panasonic Corporation of North America; Stryker Joint Replacement; SMH International; Imperial Machine and Tool Co.; and the U.S. Army Research Development and Engineering Center for their support of Makerspace at NJIT.

File Photo: Flickr Commons