At Innovate Marquette, we recognize the need for rural entrepreneurs to have access to advanced technology to quickly prototype and develop products. The Innovate Marquette Protolab is a specialized prototyping lab equipped with state-of-the-art 3D printing technologies that supports local entrepreneurs by helping to transform 2D designs into working concept models.
Made possible by the United States Department of Agriculture, the Protolab provides Innovate Marquette clients with access to cutting-edge technology to help advance their business ventures. The Protolab supports local entrepreneurs by helping to transform 2D designs into physical prototypes.
FAQ:
The Protolab is a specialized prototyping lab equipped with state-of-the-art 3D printing and scanning technologies. Learn more.
The Protolab was created with the goal of supporting local entrepreneurs by helping them transforming 2D designs into physical prototypes.
The Protolab was fully funded by the award of the United States Department of Agriculture RISE Grant.
The Protolab is located on the lower level of the Kaufman Block.
The Protolab is a service of Innovate Marquette and is only a resource for our clients. Interested in becoming a client of Innovate Marquette? Submit your idea today!
No, the Protolab is not a makerspace. However, the Protolab is made up of cutting-edge technology available for use by Innovate Marquette clients and Invent@NMU student employees.
The Protolab is made up of numerous 3D printers, a laser engraving machine, and more.
3000 square feet
Programs Manager Kristin Tanner, kristin.tanner@imqt.org.
Thank you for the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development office. for the support of the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) grant. Innovate Marquette SmartZone programs and services are also made possible in part through ongoing support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the City of Marquette.
About the USDA RISE grant:
On November 29, 2022, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that a $700,000 Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) grant was awarded to Innovate Marquette SmartZone, along with project partners Northern Michigan University, Lake Superior Community Partnership, and Michigan Works!. The grant will support the creation and management of the Marquette Outdoor Venture (MOV) Innovation Center.
The MOV Innovation Center will exist as an ecosystem of support to diversify and strengthen the rural regional economy by leveraging assets, increasing collaboration, and accelerating the growth of small businesses and jobs in the emerging industry cluster of outdoor recreation innovation, focused on innovative products, mobility/limited mobility, and smart connected platforms/systems.
Partners in the project are working together to implement four strategies:
- Provide education, outreach, and investment programming for outdoor recreation innovation entrepreneurs.
- Develop a Protolab for entrepreneurs in outdoor recreation access and mobility products.
- Establish a talent pipeline via education and training pathways for high-quality, new economy outdoor recreation jobs.
- Augment the Innovate Marquette accelerator and incubator programs to promote outdoor recreation innovation and connect entrepreneurs to venture capital.
Click here to learn more about how Innovate Marquette will utilize the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) grant to support outdoor innovation.
