The fifth annual Arizona IMPACT Forum took place yesterday and in attendance was Jaime Casap of Google who forced one message: “Stop asking students what they want to be when they grow up — We need to start asking students what problems do they want to solve.”
This is where our future workforce is headed so below we have put together a list of PHX East Valley maker spaces, co-working spaces, incubators, and more! Take a peek:
Mesa Locations:
HeatSync Labs: The 2,200-square foot space in Mesa calls itself a hacker space and has an underground, DIY vibe. The grassroots co-op has no staff, and anyone can come work for free. Members can make a monthly donation that entitles them to perks such as voting rights and storage space. Some of the equipment was purchased by members; some has been donated or borrowed.
ThinkSpot: a collaborative work space and maker space within the Red Mountain Branch of the Mesa Public Library. The space features 3-D printers, a tool bench, film studio, collaborative rooms and robotic kits. Free workshops are offered regularly.
Launch Point- Mesa Technology Accelerator: was created in collaboration with Arizona State University (ASU) to drive the growth of innovative technology companies.
My Brother’s Office: Pride themselves on being a facility focused on Small Businesses. Home based businesses, new entrepreneurs, start-up businesses, and even business that are just ideas are welcomed.
Southwest Maker Fest: Saturday March 12, 2016. This is annual event in downtown Mesa is a collaborative festival that attracted 5,500+ attendees and nearly 150 vendors. Plan to show off your creations, spread your ideas, and share your skills at Southwest Maker Fest in March!
Chandler Locations:
Chandler’s Innovation Incubator: The Incubator provides viable start-up companies in the fields of medical devices, biotechnology, bioinformatics, software design, nanotechnology, sustainable technologies ,and other fields, a space to work and develop their business at competitive rates.
TechShop: a community-based workshop and prototyping studio on a mission to democratize access to the tools of innovation. Packed with cutting-edge tools, equipment and computers loaded with design software featuring the Autodesk Design Suite, TechShop offers the space to make, and the support and camaraderie of a community of makers.
Local Motors Microfactory: Brings the worldwide Local Motors community together and allows for the creation and production of new vehicles based on local needs. Leveraging the Co-Creation platform produces innovative designs from community members in over 130 countries. The Microfactory brings those designs to life.
Stealthmode Partners: an advocate and accelerator for entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs: a network of people working together to help support and accelerate new initiatives, emerging growth companies or new directions, projects, or products within existing companies.
Gangplank: The Arizona-based creative space is primarily a co-working space that features the Gangplank Labs maker space component, with various tools at each location based on the community’s needs. Gangplank has two PHX East Valley locations. (Chandler & Queen Creek)
Tempe Locations:
Tempe’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation Office at ASU: We are creating a place for entrepreneurship and education to co-exist. Entrepreneurial thinking is more than a skill; it is a mindset – one that manifests itself across all majors and programs at ASU.
JumpStartBiz: A unique Business Incubator/accelerator with a proven record of helping businesses find success.
Mac6: Help entrepreneurs expand their conscious leadership, sharpen their definition of higher purpose, and embrace a mission that goes well beyond their own company.
Gilbert Locations:
EZSpaces: EZ Spaces is a creative, innovative and inspiring co-working space designed for small businesses, startups, freelancers and independent professionals. Learn more here.
Other Great Start Up Resources and Tools:
Think we missed something great going on in our region? Let us know: info@phxeastvalley.org
