UW-Stout FabLab: Fueling Innovation

MENOMONIE, WI (July 2, 2026) – The countdown is on! From July 31st  to August 2nd, 2026, the University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic will host the third Make48 regional competition of the season. This fast-paced, 48-hour collaborative invent-a-thon will bring together the brightest minds to solve a real-world challenge in a race against the clock.

The UW-Stout FabLab is buzzing with excitement as it prepares to welcome nine teams from around the Midwest (meet the teams here). These students will put their creativity, determination, and technical skills to the ultimate test, with the top two winning teams advancing directly to the National Championship. 

This marks the third time Make48 has brought a regional competition to UW-Stout Polytechnic, and it’s a location we always look forward to returning to. So, what makes this stop so special?

Beyond the cutting-edge facility itself, it’s the people who make it an exceptional experience. FabLab Manager Mike Cropp is a consummate specialist whom our own Tool Techs absolutely love collaborating with. The competing students are stepping into an unparalleled environment, equipped with the exact technology, spatial layout, and expert mentorship needed to bring their innovative concepts to life in just 48 hours.

We Are #StoutProud 

What Makes UW-Stout Polytechnic a Maker's Paradise?

As Wisconsin’s only designated Polytechnic University, UW-Stout is built differently. It is dedicated to preparing the next generation of industry leaders by fundamentally shifting how students learn.

• Labs > Classrooms: At UW-Stout Polytechnic, applied learning isn't just a buzzword. Labs and studios actually outnumber traditional classrooms 3 to 1. Students spend less time listening to lectures and far more time doing undergraduate research, creating solutions, and participating in nationwide paid co-ops.

• Industry-Driven Collaboration: Students don't create in a vacuum. Throughout their education, they collaborate directly with business partners on industry-sponsored projects, using professional technology to pitch real solutions to real clients.

• Career-Ready Momentum: Recruiters consistently actively target UW-Stout Polytechnic students as early as their sophomore year. Thanks to hosting some of the largest career fairs in the Midwest, the university’s graduate employment rate has hovered near perfection within six months of graduation for decades.

The FabLab: Where Ideas Take Shape

Out of nearly 300 lab spaces across campus, the FabLab serves as the crown jewel for regional prototyping, entrepreneurship, and community innovation. Part of a prestigious global network including partnerships with MIT, the FabLearn Community, and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), this space democratizes high-tech manufacturing.

Equipped with state-of-the-art digital fabrication machinery, like precision laser cutters, industrial 3D printers, and robust milling machines, the FabLab empowers makers to build almost anything they can envision.

Endless Possibilities Under One Roof

Whether you are an engineering student or a local artist, the FabLab is designed for diverse, interdisciplinary project types:

• Prototypes: Transforming abstract ideas into tangible, functional proof-of-concept models.

• Custom Parts: Crafting specialized mechanical, physical, and electronic components tailored to unique projects.

• Art & Decor: Exploring physical mediums through complex sculptures, installations, and custom jewelry.

• Educational Tools: Designing interactive STEM/STEAM learning kits, scientific models, and innovative classroom aids.

• Community & Software Solutions: Developing physical hardware-software integrations and impactful projects that directly solve local infrastructure or economic needs.

The UW-Stout FabLab isn't just for students – it's a localized hub open to the community! After completing the mandatory 'Introduction to Fab Lab Equipment' safety training, local creators, entrepreneurs, and hobbyists can purchase community membership packages. 

The cross-pollination of ideas at this summer's Make48 matchup is bound to be awe-inspiring. To stay updated on the upcoming tournament or to follow along with the action, visit the official UW-Stout Make48 competition page.