Where Creativity Takes Shape
When Harrison Wright couldn't find the creative community he envisioned, he built it. SIQ Fashion brings students together to create fashion shows, photoshoots, and original merchandise while celebrating queer artists and voices.
With access to the UMass Amherst Makerspace, Harrison turned an idea into a thriving community—proof that innovation isn't just about technology. It's about creating new ways for people to connect, express themselves, and lead.
UMass Amherst Makerspace
Open To: All members of the UMass and Five College community
The UMass Makerspace provides tools, equipment, and space to bring projects to life. Located on the first floor in the Agricultural Engineering Building North, the makerspace includes electronics stations, sewing equipment, 3D printers, a wood shop, a metal shop, and tools for advanced fabrication and machining.
| Best For | Tinkerers, builders, and artists of all kinds |
|---|---|
| Equipment | Sewing, electronics, 3D printing, laser cutting, welding, wood and machine shops |
Digital Media Lab
Open To: All UMass students, faculty, and staff
Located in the W. E. B. Du Bois Library, the Digital Media Lab specializes in media production equipment and cutting-edge communications technologies. The lab’s 3D Innovation Center features digitizers and 3D printers for rapid prototyping, educational models, and more. Two Extended Reality (XR) rooms are also available for academic and personal projects.
| Best For | Media production and development |
|---|---|
| Equipment | Sound booths, production studios, computers, cameras, audio and video editing software |
Specialized Spaces
Institute for Applied Life Sciences Core Facilities
Open To: Primarily researchers, varies by facility
Together with the Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS), the UMass Amherst Core Facilities provide both laboratory space and specialized equipment. These collaborative facilities include everything from imaging and modeling resources to advanced design and fabrication tools, expanding the possibilities for scientific advancement and interdisciplinary cooperation across campus.
| Best For | Advanced and specialized research techniques |
|---|---|
| Equipment | Digital design and fabrication, device fabrication, microscopy and imaging, nanofabrication |
M5 Makerspace
Open To: Students and faculty in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
M5 is the dedicated makerspace for the UMass Amherst Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, located in the lower level of Marcus Hall. Here, students will find soldering workstations, microscopes, heat guns, and equipment for surface-mount technology projects. You’ll also find spaces for cooperative studying, meetings, and demos where you can work together with like-minded innovators.
| Best For | Microelectronics and computing projects |
|---|---|
| Equipment | Soldering, microscopes, heat guns, surface-mount technology |
Mechanical & Industrial Engineering Innovation Shop
Open To: Students in mechanical and industrial engineering (MIE) design courses, engineering competition teams, and researchers
The MIE Innovation Shop is ideal for design prototyping, small-scale experimentation, and mechatronics development. Located in the Engineering Laboratory (ELab), it prioritizes education and collaboration between students, researchers, and shop professional staff. Whether you’re designing prototypes for a competition or a university course, you’ll find a variety of mechanical and industrial engineering resources at the Innovation Shop.
| Best For | Prototyping and mechatronics development |
|---|---|
| Equipment | 3D printers, machining, water jet cutter, lasers, table saws |
Berthiaume Center Incubator Space
Open To: All UMass students (by application)
Members of the Berthiaume Center Incubator Space have free, 24-7 access to this incubator, classroom, and conference space in Bartlett Hall. The incubator helps UMass Amherst students of all levels and disciplines to grow their business ideas through office hours with Berthiaume Center staff, Isenberg School of Management alumni, and MBA fellows. Schedule a brainstorming session, rent a room, or simply enjoy free snacks and coffee.
| Best For | Entrepreneurial students seeking camaraderie and support |
|---|---|
| Benefits | 24-7 access, free snacks and coffee, mentor office hours |
W. E. B. Du Bois Library Entrepreneurship Collection
Open To: Students and faculty in the Isenberg School of Management
The business and entrepreneurship services librarian supports Isenberg students and faculty at the Isenberg Alfond Atrium and the W.E.B. Du Bois Library. The librarian is available for research help, including access to the three databases in the Entrepreneurship Collection: Entrepreneurship Database (ProQuest), CB Insights, and Foundation Directory Online.
| Best For | Startup and venture research |
|---|---|
| Equipment | Entrepreneurship Database (ProQuest), CB Insights, Foundation Directory Online |
Physical Computing Makerspace
Open To: Students and faculty in the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences
The Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS) Physical Computing Makerspace provides a meeting and workspace to the CICS community in room E302 of the Computer Science Laboratories. Explore new technologies and build upon research with a variety of electronics stations, laser cutters, 3D printers, and a small mechanics shop.
| Best For | Physical computing projects |
|---|---|
| Equipment | Soldering, 3D printing, electronics, surface mounting, laser cutting, and engraving |
Any Questions?
Our university-wide network of innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity advisors and mentors is here to help you grow your ideas—whether you’re exploring a new interest or preparing to launch. Reach out to find support, guidance, and opportunities to get started.