How to get modern technologies to students, schools, entrepreneurs and the public? And what happens when a space opens up where people can not only see 3D printing, robotics or virtual reality, but actually try it out?

The answer came in the last two years of DigiLab, a digital laboratory jointly operated by the Innovation Center of the Ústí nad Labem Region (ICUK) and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the JE Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem. The pilot verification of DigiLab was part of the Smart Accelerator for the Ústí nad Labem Region III project, which is led by the Ústí nad Labem Region, while UJEP provided the laboratory with professional and spatial support. Originally a pilot project, it gradually transformed into a place where prototypes were created, business ideas were born, and thousands of people gained their first experience with the technologies of the future.

From 3D printing to virtual reality

DigiLab was created with a simple goal – to make technologies that are usually only available in companies, research institutions or specialized laboratories accessible. Visitors could try out 3D printers, 3D scanners, laser technologies, virtual reality, CNC machining or robotics. It also included professional support and mentoring, thanks to which the technologies did not remain just an attractive demonstration, but became a tool for solving real problems. 

The laboratory did not only serve students of technical fields. It was open to schools, start-up entrepreneurs, companies and the general public.

Interest exceeded expectations

One of the strongest findings is the extent of interest that DigiLab has generated during its operation.

42 start-up entrepreneurs participated in the activities, more than double the originally planned number. Over 120 students from universities and higher vocational schools used the laboratory for their studies or projects. However, the greatest interest came from primary and secondary schools, where more than 2,300 students visited DigiLab. Another more than 2,100 visitors were from the public and hobbyists.

Many of the planned values had to be increased during the project because interest exceeded original expectations several times over. This confirmed that similar technological facilities had been lacking in the region for a long time.

When technology helps business

DigiLab quickly became a place where new ideas were transformed into real products.

For example, prototypes for the cosmetics industry using 3D scanning and printing or solutions developed in cooperation with a dental clinic were created here. Experts from DigiLab helped with the development of X-ray positioners, intraoral camera holders and other technical solutions. Activities also included engraving, creating 3D models and testing material properties.

Connecting the university environment with the specific needs of companies and entrepreneurs was one of the greatest benefits of the project. Modern technologies thus became not only part of teaching, but also helped solve real challenges from practice.

Motivation for future technicians and innovators

A significant part of the activities was work with schools. During workshops, pupils and students were introduced to technologies that are not normally found in school classrooms. This was not just about demonstrating technology, but also about practical involvement in projects, modeling, programming, or working with robotic systems.

Educators most often appreciated the access to technologies that are normally financially unavailable to schools, as well as the enthusiasm and expertise of the lecturers. DigiLab has become an inspiration for many schools in implementing modern forms of teaching and developing students' digital competences. 

The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at UJEP also had a positive impact, with an increase of approximately 121% in newly admitted students. The faculty management attributes this development to, among other things, the DigiLab activities and the increased interest of young people in technical fields.

What did DigiLab show?

Perhaps the most important findings are not hidden in the number of visitors, but in how user needs have changed over the course of two years.

While at first people came mainly out of curiosity and wanted to experience new technologies, they gradually started using the lab for their own projects, final theses, prototyping or developing business ideas. It turned out that there is a strong community of people in the region who want to create, experiment and learn new things – they just need the right background and professional support. 

The future development of DigiLab is therefore directed towards the Makerspace model, which, in addition to educational activities, would also offer a stable environment for one's own creation and experimentation. A space where students, budding entrepreneurs and enthusiastic creators can develop their ideas in the long term, test new procedures, create prototypes and turn ideas into concrete solutions.

Inspiration beyond the borders of the region

DigiLab was not only of interest in the Ústí nad Labem region. Other regional innovation centers and the CzechInvest agency expressed interest in its operation. The project thus showed that connecting a university, an innovation center, and an open technological environment can be a functional way to support technical education, entrepreneurship, and the emergence of new innovations. 

Two years of DigiLab's operation have brought a clear message that there is definitely no lack of interest in technology, innovation, and creativity in the Ústí nad Labem Region. 

Funded from the Smart Accelerator for the Ústí nad Labem Region III project, registration number CZ.02.01.02/00/22_009/0004316.