That is why the Makerzone at YES!Delft is a workshop open to startups and students from Delft University, where they can work on building their latest innovations.
In many cases, production involves large volumes. However, early-stage startups and students don’t require hundreds or thousands of products. Instead, they need one or a few prototypes to validate their idea, refine their innovation, and engage with their initial customers. The Makerzone was established to offer cost-effective options to meet this demand.
What happens in the Makerzone
To use the Makerzone, you need only a subscription and completed safety training. The Makerzone provides equipment for every project, including the Totec Q500 laser cutter and the precise WEILER lathe. There is also a section for woodworking, and part of the top floor is dedicated to 3D printers. The diversity of equipment ensures that there are enough tools to create most parts.
The workshop’s users are in good hands: Pim Strik, the workshop manager, is present every day. He is responsible for maintaining the machines and training new users to operate them safely. Pim also assists users when a project proves more challenging. The people in the workshop work on various projects, from complete prototypes to complex hardware components like protective brackets or specific clamps.
It’s awesome to witness people’s progress in using the equipment and perfecting their products. Being able to assist them with that is enjoyable and meaningful to me.
Makerzone to the rescue
The startup TILER significantly benefits from the Makerzone. They have developed a wireless charging system for e-bikes where the bike is charged wirelessly by the tile through the kickstand. Although their production is outsourced, they still need to use the equipment in the Makerzone occasionally. They also require a workshop nearby to modify their products quickly, for example, if something doesn’t fit or there is a delayed delivery. Joris Koudijs, CTO at TILER, shares: “Initially, our prototype performed well in the lab. However, when we arranged fifteen of them side by side, we discovered the connection needed to be stronger. As a result, we used the equipment in the Makerzone to adjust the design and ensure that the tiles continued to function correctly. Without the Makerzone, we would not have been able to resolve the issue.”
The Makerzone’s flexibility allows us to quickly modify and test our design.
Continuous improvement
The Makerzone is a crucial part of the YES!Delft ecosystem provides startups with vital resources to develop and improve their products. The collaboration with Delft University and YES!Delft enriches the innovation ecosystem and supports the community. The workshop assists startups like TILER in creating prototypes, reducing risks, and exploring new ideas, all at a low cost and easily accessible. The Makerzone is committed to continuous improvement, aiming to provide essential resources, including new equipment, and address the needs of startups and Delft University students. The Makerzone at YES!Delft is not just a supplementary facility but is essential in driving the success and innovation of startups, enabling them to turn visions into reality with speed and efficiency.
Next to the Makerzone, startups have access to the many FieldLabs in our region. Are you interested in exploring all the possibilities? Reach out to us via e-mail info@yesdelft.nl or visit the next Info Session.
