MIT FabLab, an ecosystem for prototyping, has opened at Satbayev University

As part of the solemn celebration of 90^th anniversary of Satbayev University, the grand opening of FabLab SU, a new high-tech center, where students, scientists and engineers will be able to realize their wildest ideas owing to modern equipment, took place.

The new laboratory, equipped with 3D printers, NCS machines, as well as software for design and modeling, is part of the global international community of FabLab laboratories based on the standards of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, uniting more than 2 thousand innovation centers around the world.

The agreement on joining this outstanding organization was signed during the visit of Satbayev University delegation to MIT, where University’s Rector Meiram Begentayev and Sherry Lassiter, founder and head of Fab Foundation, agreed on the exchange of students and teachers, technology transfer and joint research projects.

 - In addition to the elaborations of student projects, we pay great attention to the transfer of micro- qualifications to students, - said Ruslan Mukanov, head of MIT FabLab. - These are the qualifications of a digital design engineer, reverse engineer and operator of NCS machines. We have all the equipment for training.

FabLabs are increasingly being used as platforms for project-based and practical STEM education. Network actively promotes inclusive development by supporting the knowledge sharing among engineers and inventors around the world. Students study by creating objects in which they are personally interested, going through the entire production cycle from idea to implementation, and gaining in-depth practical knowledge.

Many leading companies of Kazakhstan, such as Lenovo, KazTechInnovations and Best Vision Technologies, took part in creating the laboratory at Satbayev University, setting a unique technical space. The laboratory has the largest 3D printer in Kazakhstan, three-dimensional scanning equipment, a complete production line for prototyping and a unique processing center of DMG MORI. All this expands the capabilities of the laboratory, allowing it to be used not only for educational purposes, but also for real production tasks and commercial projects. And participation in the global community will provide an opportunity to share innovative ideas with the whole world.

The organizers note that FabLab Satbayev University is an open platform for everyone, which is ready to provide space and opportunities for talented young engineers from all over Kazakhstan. There are already agreements with schools in Almaty that are interested in teaching the students at the FabLab site.

Satbayev University’s Rector Meiram Begentayev stressed that cooperation with MIT helps the university to fully implement "learning through research" principle and promotes the growth of practical skills among students, combining the efforts of researchers and inventors to create a more sustainable future.