Prototyping a new university/society relationship and a new public/private partnership model
Fablab RUC is a commercial-friendly Fablab, an experiment in a new private-public model. Bringing real world commercial projects in the door enhances academia, and the knowledge gained in academia enhances the private sector. We actively work with inviting private companies, startups, inventors, and non-university public sector endeavors into the university and the maker movement.
Make experiments easy. We know that if we place the candy by the cash register more people buy candy. But traditionally partnerships between public and private entities have started with lawyers and long contract negotiations. We try to make research easy. Come and talk to the lab leader and within five minutes you will have an answer: Yes you can build that here / yes you can build that here but you will have to bring your own materials / no you cannot do that here. If we make research easier, more research will be done.
The lab is an open and equal access workshop. As soon as one has decided to make the lab facilities open for all it makes no sense to exclude only the best - superusers and professional users. The lab is open for everyone from students to local residents. It would be strange to say yes to the local resident who wants to learn to use a laser cutter by making a name sign for his dog house, but turn away a professional inventor who has a 3D printer, but needs access to a larger 3D printer for this particular project. This is not anti-competitive - we offer facilities to all, just like public libraries or the many publicly funded Fablabs or the Innovation counseling (Opfinderrådgivningen) at Teknologisk Institut. Experienced professionals are just as welcome as freshman students - it is the mix that creates symbiosis and a special creative, innovative atmosphere.
Not religiously open source. We prefer that you publish your designs, but if you don't want to for commercial reasons, we are fine with you contributing to the community in another way. Write a howto guide or give us an extra hand clearing up.
