Q: What is the UC San Diego Makerspace? A: The Makerspace is UC San Diego's open-access workshop for the entire campus community — a place where students, researchers and student organizations can design, build and experiment using professional-grade tools and equipment, regardless of department or experience level.
Q: Who can use the Makerspace? A: Any UC San Diego student, regardless of major or department, as well as researchers and student organizations can use the Makerspace. About half of users are engineering students and half come from other disciplines, reflecting the Makerspace's role as a truly campus-wide resource.
Q: Do I need prior experience? A: No experience is required. Training resources are available, including video tutorials on the Makerspace YouTube channel.
Q: What can I do there? A: The Makerspace supports a wide range of making and experimentation across several dedicated studios and shops, including the Montgomery Metal Shop, Wood and Plastic Shop, CNC Machining Shop, Laser Cutter Studio, Electronics Studio and 3D Printing lab. Projects range from personal builds and class assignments to research and entrepreneurship.
Q: What has demand for the Makerspace looked like? A: In the 2024-25 academic year, the Makerspace served more than 4,000 users, averaged about 150 visits per day and logged well over 100,000 user-hours — a reflection of how much the campus community values the space.
Q: Where is the Makerspace located? A: The Makerspace is on the second floor of the Design and Innovation Building at UC San Diego, located at 9510 Innovation Lane, La Jolla, CA 92093. The building is steps from the UC San Diego Central Campus station on the MTS Blue Line.
Q: What are the current hours? A: The Makerspace is currently open 1-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, except during academic breaks. Conversations are underway about how to grow the Makerspace's availability, including the possibility of expanded hours. Check back to the makerspace.ucsd.edu website for the most up-to-date schedule.
Q: How do I get started? A: Visit the Getting Started web page for details. You can also join the Makerspace Discord community for updates and to connect with other makers.
Q: Is the Makerspace staying open? A: Yes — the Makerspace is open, active and here to stay. It remains a valued part of UC San Diego's innovation ecosystem.
Q: How is the Makerspace funded? A: UC San Diego has made a significant institutional investment in the Makerspace. To strengthen its long-term financial resilience, the team is actively exploring additional funding sources including philanthropy and community membership programs. You can support the Makerspace directly through the UC San Diego Makerspace Innovation Fund. Ideas from the community on programming, partnerships or funding opportunities are also welcome.
Q: How can I contact the Makerspace? A: Questions about using the Makerspace should be directed to makerspace@ucsd.edu. Questions about Makerspace administration should be directed to the UC San Diego Qualcomm Institute at raoadmin@ucsd.edu.