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Makerspace
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The Basement
THE BASEMENT IS AN INCUBATOR and accelerator space , and it ’ s where innovative ideas begin . Named for its prior location in the basement of Mandeville Center but located on the first floor in its new home , The Basement is a welcoming space for student entrepreneurs , problem solvers and creative thinkers to learn , build bonds and play with their ideas . The open space plan features a prototyping lab , standing tables , computers and large-scale screens to foster collaboration and interdisciplinary brainstorming . The space is also used for interactive workshops , design challenges , pitch competitions , panel discussions , recruitment fairs and social events aimed to connect entrepreneurial-minded students with the larger community .
“ In 2015 , we launched The Basement with complementary objectives of incubating ideas and student entrepreneurs ,” says Jeff Belk ’ 83 , co-founder of The Basement and chair of its advisory board .
Students are paired with an experienced mentor to guide their nascent startup journey , along with a tailored curriculum , a network of industry and subject-matter experts , prototyping funds , online learning resources and 24 / 7 access to The Basement ’ s coworking space .
For student entrepreneur Xiaoyao Li , The Basement was one of the reasons he came to study at UC San Diego . “[ The Basement ] provides the right environment for me to meet and connect with people who share the same values and mindset , which really pushes me along and keeps me inspired with my own startup ,” says Li , founder of Finally Pockets , refined triathlon apparel with pockets .
TRANSFORMING A GREAT IDEA into a physical entity requires a hands-on approach . Whether prototyping or tinkering , Makerspace is a state-of-the-art workspace to experiment and to create whatever can be imagined . It ’ s where ideas can take physical shape .
The space is free and available to any UC San Diego student , staff member or visiting group and offers everything , from welders and sewing machines to 3D printers and computer numerical control machines for precision manufacturing .
“ We believe in the transformative power of making ,” says David Lesser , director of the Makerspace . With the space and tools to physically build and manipulate 3D objects , dreams quite literally can become reality .
Karl Johnson ’ 23 , now a first-year graduate student , started at the Makerspace working on hobby projects , including a motorized tripod for taking panoramic photos , before becoming an essential member of Yonder Dynamics , a student robotics team at UC San Diego .
“ The Makerspace is a unique and exceptionally well-equipped resource ,” says Johnson . As part of the 2023 University Rover Challenge , the team leveraged the Makerspace ’ s metal laser cutter , welding studio , electronics shop and other tools and placed fifth out of 104 teams competing from 15 countries .
34 SPRING 2024