The Rist Family Foundation Makerspace

Where Concepts Become Creations!

The Rist Family Foundation Makerspace at FGCU is a dynamic hub for innovation where bold ideas and vision come to life. Located in Lucas Hall, this state-of-the-art facility supports every stage of the creative and entrepreneurial process, from initial concept and design to fabrication, refinement, packaging, and shipping. With a diverse range of tools, equipment, and technologies, the Makerspace empowers students and entrepreneurs to transform their vision into real products and ventures, all within a collaborative, innovation-driven environment.

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Eligibility & Access

The Rist Family Foundation Makerspace is open exclusively to:

• Students currently enrolled in a course or degree program offered by the Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship (DKSOE)

  • B.S. in Entrepreneurship
  • M.S in Entrepreneurship
  • Entrepreneurship Minor
  • B.A. in Digital Media Design

• Participants in co-curricular programs offered by the Rist Family Foundation Institute for Entrepreneurship (RFIE)

  • Runway Program Business Incubator

  • Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program
  • CEO Club at Florida Gulf Coast University
  • Azul's Innovation Challenge

To begin using the Makerspace, all eligible users must complete the required safety training.

*If you do not meet the criteria above but are interested in accessing the Makerspace, please contact the Entrepreneurship Lab Manager for more information.

Enroll in Lucas Hall Makerspace Safety Training

Ready to bring your ideas to life? Start by enrolling in the Lucas Hall Makerspace Safety Training at the FGCU Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship. This essential training equips you with the knowledge and skills to safely operate tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and other prototyping equipment.

Once you complete the training, you’ll gain full access to the Rist Family Foundation Makerspace, your gateway to hands-on innovation, experimentation, and creation.

SIGN UP TODAY! 

Signing In to Use the Makerspace

Each time you visit the Makerspace, you must sign in using the official check-in form. This helps us track usage, maintain safety standards, and ensure resources are available to all students.

CHECK IN NOW

What You’ll Find in the Makerspace

From quick prototypes to polished products, the Makerspace opens the door to an incredible range of projects. Students use its tools to design merchandise, build product mockups, create art and signage, develop packaging, and even prepare items for commerce. Whether it’s experimenting with simple models, crafting functional prototypes, or producing market-ready goods, the space makes it possible to turn creative concepts into tangible results.

• 3D Printers & Accessories

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  • MakerBot Method Wash Tank - SCA1200-HT
  • MakerBot Method X / Replicator / Mini+
  • Bambu Lab X1 Carbon / Bambu Lab H2D (with AMS / AMS 2 Pro)
  • Original Prusa i3 MK3S+

• Forming & Engraving Equipment

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  • VACUCU3D A3 Vacuum Former
  • Glowforge Pro Laser Engraver
  • ShopBot Desktop CNC Machine

• Printing Equipment

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  • Epson Sure Color P8570D Large Format Printer
  • Canon iPF780 Large Format Printer
  • Epson SC-f570 Sublimation Printer
  • HP OfficeJet Pro 7740
  • Rollo USB Thermal Shipping Label Printer
  • Rollo Shipping Scale

• Vinyl Cutting, Heat Press & Apparel Tools

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  • Cricut Maker 3 / Explore 3 / Venture
  • Cricut Mug Press / Hat Press
  • Cricut BrightPad
  • Stahls Hotronix STX20 Heat Press
  • Bai "The Mirror" Embroidery Machine
  • SINGER Heavy Duty 4432 Sewing Machine

• Finishing & Presentation Tools

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  • DIY Bath Fizzie Mold and Press
  • Sooper Ace MAXX Grommet Press
  • Neil Enterprises Button Machine & Circle Punch
  • Dahle 558 Rotary Trimmer / Fletcher Titan Dual Cutter
  • Smooth Mount PBLM 27 Punch Board Laminator

• Specialty Equipment

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  • AYGJKIE 3D Nail Printer Machine
  • Amazon Basics Portable Photo Studio Box w/ LED Light

• General Tools

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  • Support fabrication, prototyping, model finishing, physical assembly across all project levels.

• Arts & Crafts Supplies

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  • These foundational materials can support freeform creativity, mockup prototyping, and team-building activities. They are ideal for brainstorming sessions, rough idea sketching, and early-phase product design.

Rist Family Foundation Makerspace Staff