At Innovate Summer Academy, experiential learning is a key part of our ethos. We believe students learn the most through exposure to real-life situations and being inspired by success stories in their industry. As part of our experiential learning programme this year, students will be visiting Blue Garage Innovation Hub, a collaborative workspace designed for people who create, design and build. Home to entrepreneurs, engineers, architects and makers, Blue Garage Innovation Hub gives students a first-hand look at how ideas move from concept to commercial product.
More than an office space, Blue Garage provides affordable access to advanced manufacturing equipment and creative facilities. Students will explore makerspaces equipped with 3D printing, laser cutting and prototyping tools, alongside factory-scale production facilities that support startups as they grow from early-stage ideas to industrial manufacturing.
During the visit, students will meet the founder of BGBlue Garage Innovation Hub, as well as engineers and entrepreneurs working within the space. The experience includes:
- a presentation introducing BG’s Blue Garage’s mission and community
- a guided tour of the 38,000 sq ft facility
- demonstrations of innovative products and technologies
- a question-and-answer session with industry professionals.
The visit is designed to help students connect classroom learning with real-world innovation. Engineering and Computer Science students will gain insight into robotics, automation and advanced manufacturing processes, while also seeing how digital design tools are used in product development. Business students will explore how startups develop prototypes, build ethical business practices and scale sustainable ventures.
Students will also have the opportunity to visit the Blue Garage BioLab. This open-access laboratory combines biology, engineering and creative design, providing specialist facilities for bioengineering, biomaterials, textiles and electronics.
At the BioLab, students will:
- tour the laboratory and innovation spaces
- attend a presentation from the BG Founder and a startup entrepreneur working in bioengineering or chemical engineering
- take part in brainstorming sessions to design a bio-based product
- learn how ideas can be prototyped within the facility
- ask questions directly to innovators and industry experts.
By engaging directly with founders, engineers and startup teams, students will develop a deeper understanding of innovation, collaboration and entrepreneurship. The visit also encourages creative thinking and problem-solving, while demonstrating the wide range of careers available across technology, engineering, manufacturing and business.
For Innovate Summer Academy students, Blue Garage Innovation Hub offers more than a tour. It is an opportunity to experience a working innovation ecosystem and see how creativity, technology and entrepreneurship come together to shape the future.
