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Free TechShop memberships now available to ASU students


TechShop workbenches
September 03, 2014

Arizona State University students now have even more ways to bring their innovative ideas to life, thanks to a first-of-its-kind partnership between ASU and TechShop, a national network of community-based, do-it-yourself facilities.

TechShop is offering complimentary memberships at its Chandler location to ASU students for the fall 2014 semester. Any full-time undergraduate or graduate students, including online students, are eligible for the complimentary memberships.

Located at the ASU Chandler Innovation Center, TechShop Chandler offers access to more than $1 million worth of state-of-the-art equipment, including 3-D printers, laser cutters, welding tables, an electronics bench, a woodworking shop and a metal press, as well as computers with design software. In addition, TechShop offers workshops for members to learn to use the equipment. As part of the complimentary membership package, students receive a $100 voucher to cover workshop fees.

TechShop membership also connects students with a vibrant, creative community of makers, entrepreneurs and innovators. TechShop staffers, called Dream Consultants, work with members to help them find the equipment and workshops that meet their needs.

ASU is the first university in the country to partner with the San Francisco-based TechShop, which was established in 2006 and now has 6,000 members in eight communities across the U.S. TechShop Chandler opened in January 2014.

“Our partnership with TechShop is an unprecedented opportunity for ASU students to turn their innovative ideas into reality,” said Mitzi Montoya, vice president and university dean for entrepreneurship and innovation at ASU. “Traditionally, students had to be enrolled in designated engineering or design classes in order to use this state-of-the-art equipment and these prototyping tools. But now through our unique partnership with TechShop, we can provide open access to tools, machines, software and consultants to all full-time ASU students. This will allow our students to design and make just about anything.”

Beginning this month, students can sign up for a membership by visiting TechShop Chandler and showing a valid student ID. The memberships are valid from Sept. 3, 2014 through Jan. 16, 2015. Ruby Rides, a car-sharing startup based at ASU SkySong, will provide free transportation for students to TechShop from the Polytechnic and Tempe campuses.

Part-time students, faculty and staff with a valid ASU ID are eligible to purchase discounted memberships.

ASU will hold TechShop information sessions on the Polytechnic and Tempe campuses during September. The university also will host open houses at TechShop on Sept. 19 and 25. Please see below for a complete schedule of events.

For more information, visit http://entrepreneurship.asu.edu/techshop.

Information sessions:

Changemaker Central, Polytechnic campus
• Sept. 3, 4-5 p.m.
• Sept. 8, 11 a.m.-noon and 2-3 p.m.

Changemaker Central, Tempe campus
• Sept. 4, 4-5 p.m.
• Sept. 9, 3-4 p.m.

TechShop Chandler
• Sept. 15, 5-6 p.m.

Open houses:

TechShop Chandler
• Sept. 19, 3 p.m.
• Sept. 25, 6 p.m.