Innovation Studio


Doubling as a makerspace and classroom, the Innovation Studio specializes in providing experiential learning opportunities for faculty and students. The Studio regularly hosts university classes, international scholars, RSOs, youth camps, workshops, researchers, individual consultations, and much more. It is a premier campus space for hands-on exploration of the latest technologies impacting teaching and learning including generative AI, virtual and augmented reality, 3D printing, 360 photography, and gaming.

Explore, Build, and Educate

Whatever your needs and interests, Your Idea Has a Home Here.

Whether you’re an instructor or student, expert or novice, the Innovation Studio has a long history of facilitating projects in the areas of:

students showing 3D printed items from an experiential learning exercise

Experiential Learning

  • Soft-skill education with VR
  • Prototyping with specialized software
  • Building with 3D printers and laser-cutter
student working on computer designing clothes

Innovation

  • Zero-waste fashion design
  • Augmented reality museum exhibition
  • VR-assisted visits to National Parks, renewable-energy plants, and more
  • Immersive science education
students learning about electronics

Discovery

  • Introductory hands-on exploration of emerging technologies
  • Generative AI, Virtual Reality, 3D printing, laser-cutting
  • Open-gaming hours
students sitting at a table together

Community

  • Faculty affiliates
  • RSOs (Illinois Business Council, Disruption Lab, and Illini Esports)
  • Youth camps
  • International visitors

Emerging Technologies to Engage With

Hands-on tools and equipment ready for your projects

Discover state-of-the-art equipment and specialized software designed to help you prototype, experiment, and create:

3D Printers & Scanner

3D scan an object, create a prototype in Tinkercad, or bring in your own model and print out a physical creation.

  • 3D scanning and rapid prototyping
  • Custom 3D print jobs
  • Make lithophanes – 3D models of pictures

Laser Cutter

Design your own logo and etch it on a keychain, or create your own custom shapes and carve them precisely out of wood or plastic.

  • Precision cutting and engraving
  • Wood, acrylic, and mixed material fabrication
  • Custom branding and merchandise prototypes

Generative AI

Experiment with content generation including pictures, songs, and visual aids. Learn about the responsible and ethical use of GenAI, and discover how to leverage this technology in your teaching and coursework.

  • Responsible and ethical GenAI principles
  • Multimodal prompt experimentation
  • Curriculum and classroom integrations

Virtual Reality

Step inside simulated environments to build durable skills, expand empathy, and explore complex topics in an immersive format.

  • Practice durable and interpersonal skills
  • Take immersive virtual field trips
  • Explore museums, archaeological sites, and human anatomy

360 Cameras

Learn the foundations of 360-degree photography and videography for creating rich, immersive environments and interactive documentation.

  • Basics of 360 capturing and staging
  • Virtual tour and environment creation
  • Classroom and field documentation

Questions About This Space?

For any other questions about this space, please contact our space coordinator:

Photo of Przemyslaw Bosak

Space Lead

Przemyslaw Bosak

Assistant Director of Instructional Innovation

Center for Innovation in Teaching & Learning (CITL) • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Email Przemyslaw