Posted by: thepinetree on 07/21/2014 08:37 AM
Updated by: thepinetree on 08/05/2014 07:22 AM
Expires: 01/01/2019 12:00 AM
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InnovationLab Opening in Tuolumne County (Grand Opening Today)
Sonora, CA...As the nation pushes for higher academic standards with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math, economic development leaders in Tuolumne County are taking it a step further by getting the community involved in STEM-related innovation projects. The goal is to spark new business ventures and spur job growth. Innovation and maker spaces, which serve as gathering places for people interested in collaborating on innovative projects, began as a movement in Europe. It’s a place where people with common interests in science, technology, digital or electronic skills can meet, socialize and collaborate. Such innovation and maker spaces, part of the DIY or "maker" culture, are community-operated physical places, where people can meet and work on their projects...
“The reason we’re doing all of this is we want businesses to start, build, grow and stay in Tuolumne County,” Cope said. “We want to develop an economic base of startup businesses that flow out of the InnovationLab.”
This is the first rural InnovationLab in the State of California and the United States. The elected leaders in Tuolumne County have backed this innovative facility through funding and other assistance provided to the Tuolumne County Economic Development Authority. Additional funding and supplies have been provided by the Sonora Area Foundation, Kinematic Automation and Motherlode Internet.
The InnovationLab - a membership-based facility that’s a do-it-yourself fabrication and prototyping studio, maker space, and learning center - is announcing today that it is officially opening on August 5, 2014.
This InnovationLab will give innovators, entrepreneurs and makers throughout the Central California Region access to tools and resources like 3-D printers, gaming and application (App) development computers and software, software design computers and software, a fully functional electronics lab, prototyping metal work and wood shop, and much more.
Starting at 12:15 pm on Tuesday, August 5, 2014, immediately following a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony, there will be an open house where visitors can tour the space and sign up for annual memberships.
Members can access shared tools, pool their expertise and meet people with similar and diverse interests." said Larry Cope, TCEDA’s Director of Economic Development.
The InnovationLab is located at 101 Hospital Road in Sonora, California on the 3rd floor of the former Tuolumne General Hospital. It will be open seven days a week and twenty four hours a day. Membership to the InnovationLab typically costs between $59 to $99 per month depending on membership level, but from August 5, 2014 until November 5, 2014 the InnovationLab is offering six months free with a one year membership.
This is a project of the Tuolumne County Economic Development Authority.
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