Trying out and understanding new technologies and perhaps even developing a business idea with them - the Makerspace Giessen opens up this opportunity to a wide audience. Stadtwerke Gießen is supporting this pioneering project.
3D printers and scanners, a CNC milling machine, a laser cutter, plotters for textile printing or VR glasses - these and many other devices are available to interested parties at the Makerspace Gießen. But not just for realising your own ideas or trying out the machines based on digital technologies. The open workshop at Walltorstraße 57 also organises introductory courses and networking events for them. In short: Makerspace Giessen is an innovative educational institution that is committed to equal opportunities. "The approach is convincing across the board and is in line with our mission statement in many respects. It is therefore only logical for us to support the Makerspace project," explains Ulli Boos, company spokesperson for Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG). In fact, representatives of Makerspace and SWG signed a three-year cooperation agreement.
A good idea and strong partners
Nils Seipel and Johannes Schmid are behind Makerspace Gießen. As managing directors of flux - impulse, the two conceived the project, which is funded by the city and district of Giessen, and launched it together with Technologie- und Innovationszentrum Gießen GmbH, the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen and Justus Liebig University Giessen. All partners contribute a wealth of expertise. "This is exactly what people who come to the makerspace can learn from, develop their knowledge and help themselves to self-determination," explains Nils Seipel.
With their special approach, the founders are pursuing another important goal. "We want to stimulate a transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary exchange within the universities, but also between the universities, various practitioners and companies as well as all interested parties," adds Johannes Schmid. The resulting debates are intended to arouse the interest of potential founders to try out something they have not had access to before.
Basically, the Makerspace opens doors. "We show our visitors how the devices work and instruct them if necessary. From that moment on, everyone works on their own individual projects," says Nils Seipel, explaining the concept. In fact, the support services offered go much further. If there is a need for further advice or support - for example in the production of a prototype - the Makerspace can put you in touch with contacts in the large regional network.
The same values
Keyword money. All Makerspace services are free of charge. "We wanted to keep the entry barriers as low as possible," explains Nils Seipel. Consequently, the project needs sponsors. "We are particularly pleased that we have found such a partner in SWG," adds Johannes Schmid. Especially because SWG is not only supporting the makerspace financially. The fact that SWG, just like Makerspace, has sustainability at the top of its agenda also fits perfectly into the concept. "We share many values and ideas - including a commitment to the region," summarises Ulli Boos.
In fact, Makerspace Giessen combines innovation and the region in a very special way. It is based on the realisation that knowledge must be accessible to everyone living here - regardless of gender, age, origin, religion or financial background. In other words, the Makerspace is a place for everyone.