FabLab (fabrication laboratory) is a network of small workshops, which are located around the world and provide anyone wishful with supplies and equipment for any project. Typically, these workshops include the coworking area, where visitors share their ideas with each other, discuss joint projects and brainstorm, and the space with equipment for the authors’ theoretical projects becoming real.
 
"In our laboratory we have 3D-printers and scanners, UV printer, laser engraver, milling machine, ie all equipment for rapid prototyping,” says Alexey Shchekoldin, the head of the FabLab at the ITMO University Technopark. “In fact, all the FabLab laboratories are the laboratories of digital manufacturing. In the shortest time and with the best value consumables you can create almost any working model as a base for the scientific work development or as an idea presentation to investors and customers."
  The main target audience of the workshop is students interested in science and technological developments design. In FabLab any participant will be able to get advice on their questions and help of the laboratory staff in the project implementation and promotion. If necessary, we can help to establish contacts with other ITMO University departments or the workshops all over the world. In other words, at FabLab students will be able to bring their project from concept to final product.
 
"Right now, many students are fond of science, but they have no opportunity for self-realization. The FabLab gives such an opportunity. For example, a student who wants to create a project and start-up based on it comes. We are ready to give him not only materials but also the necessary contacts to make the project successful in the future. And perhaps it will lead to the creation of some project that will change everything in the future," Alexey said.
In addition, according to Alexey Shchekoldin, FabLab is going to conduct some tours and workshops for schoolchildren. The purpose of these events is to attract students to scientific activity and production - digital or industry, to present the equipment and show its work in practice.
 
Today in St. Petersburg there are two similar workshops: the Polytech FabLab and the TVN FabLab. But the ITMO University Technopark FabLab distinguishes itself with modern equipment, and hence more opportunities for the participants.
 
“The official launch of the laboratory for students will be held on Feb. 16,” says Alexey Shchekoldin. “During the event some contests for visitors, a small excursion and equipment demonstration will be held. On Feb. 18, FabLab will open its doors for the university administration and the business community. This division is dictated by the desire to answer all questions considering that their context will be a little different for these two groups. We invite everyone to the opening ceremony!".