Freshman Barbara Hawke Lopez was the captain of her high school robotics team and enjoys coding and emerging technology.
When she discovered that Innovate Labs was opening a facility on the UConn Stamford campus, with hands-on learning opportunities in emerging technology, she was intrigued.
Today, Hawke Lopez is employed as a lab assistant there, teaching her peers how to experiment with new technology, and helping them develop their confidence in the automation of the future.
“When you come into the lab, there is almost always someone playing a game using virtual reality,’’ said Hawke Lopez, who is studying journalism and cognitive science. “Other students come in to 3D print everything from pop culture-inspired objects to fidget-spinner toys. There’s a good mix of activities.’’
“The lab is very new-user friendly and there are always two or three people there to help you if you get stuck,’’ she said. The lab, which opened in September 2024, is located in Room 310.
“People are excited when they discover it, and I think it is a good addition to our campus and the overall business environment. It is helping student develop confidence and career skills,’’ she said.
Hartford Campus Debuted Lab Last Week
But Stamford students aren’t the only ones with new experiences. Innovate Labs opened another facility in Hartford last week. This newest Lab can be found on the first floor of the Graduate Business Learning Center in Hartford, at 100 Constitution Plaza. All students, regardless of major, as well as faculty and staff are welcome to explore the Lab.
On the opening day, Feb. 10, student workers demonstrated 3D pens, VR headsets and circuitry that can track a user’s heart rate. The event drew students and staff from the GBLC, Storrs, and the nearby Hartford Times Building.
A festive balloon arch welcomed students and faculty to the first-floor center that includes stations featuring the Internet of Things (IoT) devices, virtual and augmented reality, 3D printing and modeling, voice and smart technology, drones, robotic, and circuitry and sensors. Both the Stamford and Hartford Innovate Labs are modeled after the original lab located in the School of Business in Storrs.
Lucy Ledesma, a junior majoring in the dual-degree MEM program and a Lab Outreach Specialist in Storrs, traveled to Hartford to demonstrate the technology. “I think it’s great that students on other campuses are getting to have the experiences we have,’’ she said.
Innovate Labs Tech Manager, Sophia Hatzis, a sophomore majoring in sociology and mechanical engineering, said initially some students are reluctant to experiment.
“At first they might not know how to get started, but there is always someone there to walk them through it and build their confidence to try more advanced things,’’ she said.
Bringing Energy and Excitement to Campus
Innovate Labs is part of the Digital Frontiers Initiative (DFI) at the School of Business. The program bridges academia and industry through cutting-edge research, innovation, and partnerships. DFI operates under the umbrella of the Connecticut Information Technology Institute at UConn.
“Our goal is to create an opportunity for students to develop new skills that will foster the next generation of learners, leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators,’’ said OPIM professor Jon Moore, who is also the Executive Director of DFI. He created and oversees all three labs.
The original Innovate Lab opened in Storrs eight years ago, after some recent graduates said they would have liked more emerging technology skills as they entered the workforce.
“People can start where they are comfortable,’’ Moore said. “We encourage people to push themselves out of their comfort zone but also to acquire skills that match their career interests. Not only is it valuable but keeps students on campus and engaged but it brings energy and excitement to campus.’’
OPIM professor Wei Chen, the Academic Director of the DFI, agreed.
“The Innovate Labs are a vibrant space where students can explore emerging technologies and bring their ideas to life,’’ he said. “It’s an incredible opportunity for them to experiment, collaborate, and gain hands-on experience with the latest tools shaping the future.’’
Students Can Advance to Local Makerspaces
Another advantage of the regional Innovate Labs is that once students get comfortable with the technology there, they can expand their ideas at nearby makerspaces.
Stamford students have access to GE’s CoCreate, a 65,000-square-foot maker space, that welcomes everyone from chefs to designers to contractors or homeowners to use their equipment and explore the “community playground.’’
The Digital Frontiers Initiative is in conversation with GE CoCreate about joint workshops, events, and projects.
In Hartford, DFI is building a dynamic relationship with MakerSpace CT, which is just a short walk from both Hartford campuses. Students have an opportunity to earn three months of free membership to this space by participating in a one of Innovate Labs’ non-credit programs, Innovate2Create. This program is designed to help students turn their idea into a marketable prototype. The nine-week program includes guest speakers from MakerspaceCT, and will conclude with a pitch presentation there in the spring.
For UConn students who are interested, Innovate Labs offer employment opportunities, with students having the choice of working on the tech team (which oversees inventory and learning), the outreach team (which leads workshops, clubs, and classes), or the marketing team. Lab workers from all three campuses collaborate, and live-feed cameras allow them to share ideas, solve problems, or just say hello from across the state.
Moore is now working towards offering workshops for non-UConn students, particularly elementary, middle and high school students in the area.
If you would like to learn more about DFI, or take a guided tour of one of the Innovate Labs, please contact Katherine Lorange at Katherine.Lorange@uconn.edu.
