FABLABS

DRIVING INNOVATIONS AND DIVERSIFICATION THROUGH FABLAS

The GREENTech4CE project will establish two Fabrication Laboratories (FabLabs) in Zambia within selected training institutions and innovation hubs, with potential sites to be in Lusaka and Copperbelt or Northwestern Provinces.
A FabLab is a small-scale workshop offering digital fabrication tools and resources, typically open to the public, where individuals can create physical items. Developed as part of an initiative from MIT’s Center for Bits and Atoms, FabLabs are often equipped with tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, and electronics workstations, allowing innovators to design, prototype, and manufacture almost anything.
Key features of FabLabs include:
Open Access: FabLabs are typically open to the public and encourage collaboration and learning through access to tools that are usually expensive or specialized.
Digital Fabrication: FabLabs feature computer-controlled tools that allow for precision and innovation, like CAD software, to assist in the design and production process.
Education and Innovation: FabLabs support learning by doing, hosting workshops, courses, and community projects where people can gain hands-on experience and skills in fabrication and design.
Community and Collaboration: FabLabs are part of a global network where makers can share ideas, projects, and resources.
The GREENTech4CE project will be putting out a call for expression of interest for interested institutions to host FabLab in the first half of 2025. Institutions that host FabLabs typically posses the following features among others to be stated in the call:
An Educational Focus: FabLabs worldwide are hosted by universities, colleges, and/or technical schools. These are institutions that already prioritise hands-on learning, innovation, and technical skill development, making them natural hosts for FabLabs.
Availability of space: Institutions must have existing space that can be converted into a FabLab without compromising delivery of existing learning programmes.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship ecosystem: Institutions must already have strong innovation, design, or entrepreneurship programmes to support FabLabs.
Interdisciplinary Culture: Institutions must demonstrate collaboration across various fields such as engineering, design, and business in order to promote a fertile environment for FabLabs.

BUSINESS GROWTH AND INNOVATION PRIZES

In an effort to stimulate innovation and continuous learning, GREENTech4CE will be looking to support initiatives aimed at bringing awareness to issues on environmental sustainability, technological advancements and cutting-edge technological innovations and solutions generation.
To this effect, the project will provide support to institutions that design and operate incubators that recognise champions in these fields through sponsorship of awards and prizes and provision of technical assistance through participation on evaluation committees of such initiatives with a special focus on women and youth.