The Philippines’ Hidden Innovation Hub: Inside the Manila Arduino Fabrication Laboratory

 

The Philippines has long been a land of innovation and creativity. However, Filipino inventors and researchers have often faced a lack of resources to bring their ideas to life. Hidden from plain view, a startup is trying to make a difference to be the country’s leading research and design space. 

The Manila Arduino Fabrication Laboratory (Manila Arduino) aims to address hurdles to  scientific creativity by providing a low-cost makerspace equipped with advanced tools and expert guidance.

Founded in a humble Laguna garage in 2023, much like many big tech companies like Apple and Amazon, Manila Arduino is a testament to the power of ingenuity. The fabrication lab recognized the need for a space where Filipino inventors could turn their ideas into real products. With a limited budget, they transformed a garage into a makerspace stocked with tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines. Later relocating to Manila, they continued their mission to expand opportunities to more creators.  

Manila Arduino’s mission is to empower Filipino innovators by providing them with the resources they need to succeed. The innovation lab offers a variety of services, including access to advanced prototyping tools and the latest modeling software. 

The creative space’s impact has already been significant. The lab has helped hundreds of Filipino inventors develop a wide range of products, from innovative medical devices to disaster risk reduction equipment. More importantly, Manila Arduino is fostering a culture of innovation in the Philippines. The lab is inspiring a new generation of Filipino inventors who are eager to make a difference in the world.

Unique Approach

Manila Arduino has a unique approach to extending its services beyond the physical walls of their garage-turned-makerspace. Researchers and students across the Philippines can visit their lab and collaborate with Manila Arduino to develop and experiment with their product design. The Manila Arduino team can then use their expertise and equipment to guide them through the prototyping process.

Manila Arduino has a fabrication facility equipped with essential fabrication tools. These tools are specifically made for traveling to different research institutions, schools, or communities, providing hands-on learning experiences in various locations.

It also offers online design consultation to broaden its reach and equip aspiring inventors with the skills they need to utilize fabrication tools effectively, even if they can’t visit the physical lab.

This “floating” concept, as described by Carl John Dal Calub, Head of Operations at Manila Arduino, is what makes the innovation lab a truly accessible resource for Filipino innovators. It removes geographical barriers and ensures that brilliant ideas, regardless of location, have a chance to be developed.

“The “floating” nature of our fabrication lab denotes our ability to cater to various research groups across the Philippines. We are not limited by our spatial presence,” Calub said. “This year, we plan to fly to the United Kingdom, Macau, and other parts of Europe to explore possible innovations and bring them back here. This will provide Filipino inventors more fabrication techniques to experiment on.”

Manila Arduino Fabrication Laboratory is a valuable resource for Filipino inventors. The lab’s low-cost makerspace and expert guidance are helping to turn innovative ideas into reality. It plays a pivotal role in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the Philippines. It is not long before it becomes the next big thing in the tech industry.  

Media Contact

Organization: Manila Arduino Fabrication Laboratory

Contact Person: Manila Arduino Fabrication Laboratory

Website: https://manilafablab.com/

Email: Send Email

Country:United States

Release id:11976

View source version on King Newswire:
The Philippines’ Hidden Innovation Hub: Inside the Manila Arduino Fabrication Laboratory