The Office of Student Innovation Ideas Labs (SIIL) held a grand reopening event for the much-anticipated iLab, a collaborative space where students can work on their projects.

President Soraya M. Coley and Provost Jennifer Brown welcomed 33 attendees during the Feb. 8 event for the iLab, which has been relocated to Building 1, room 113. The ribbon cutting was done using a blunted sword.

"The iLab is an exciting educational resource for current students and beyond," Coley said. "This is an example of what a polytechnic is and serves as a gathering space for students to work together as more students return to campus post COVID."

The newly renovated space provides students with access to innovative resources such as 3D printers, button makers and a heat press, aims to allow students to further their academic potential and gives them experience with cutting edge technology.

The iLab not only supports Bronco students, but also serves the community in the surrounding areas. With a satellite maker space named Innovation Orchard located at Ganesha High School, the Student Innovation Idea Labs plans to open a second satellite location in downtown Pomona. As the iLab continues to grow and allows students to connect and network, the plan is that it will also build community engagement and ingenuity.

"We've been looking forward to the opening of the iLab since the start of the pandemic. It's been the hub for student creators and entrepreneurs since 2015 when the office was opened. It is also the launch point for many other collaborations on campus including the office of academic innovation," mentioned SIIL's Director Kenneth Lamb. "And with its new location, we hope that the iLab will be able to service all students on our campus provide support to faculty and staff as well looking to do creative, innovative, or entrepreneurial activities."

The iLab is one of three SIIL spaces the university has, including Innovation Orchard and the Maker Space located on the second floor of the University Library. All locations offer a variety of resources, such as workshops, the iStartup Academy focused on mentoring students who are interested in start-up businesses, and equipment training workshops. Equipment training includes 3D printers and scanners, laser cutters, cutting plotters, and soldering.

If you are interested in learning more about the iLab, visit the Student Innovation Idea Labs website or email them directly at siil@cpp.edu.