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The ������ο��Ƶ of ������ο��Ƶ at Lafayette’s and will celebrate the opening of the REDII Works FabLab with a ribbon cutting and open house on Friday, May 1.

The event will be held from 1-2 p.m. at the , 537 Cajundome Blvd. Guests can tour the space, see equipment demonstrations and learn how the FabLab will serve the community. The event is free and open to the public.

The REDII Works FabLab is a free public makerspace designed to help entrepreneurs, ������ο��Ƶs, creators and small businesses move ideas into action. The space includes 3D printers, computers, a vinyl cutter and a laser cutter and engraver for prototyping, design and small-scale production.

The FabLab was made possible through U.S. Department of Agriculture grant. It is part of the Rural Economic Development Innovation Initiative (REDII), which supports business development in rural communities across Acadiana. 

“The FabLab reflects the ������ο��Ƶ’s commitment to connecting innovation with opportunity,” said Dr. Geoffrey T. Stewart, interim vice president for Strategic Impact and Economic Development and LEED Center director. “It creates a place where ideas can be tested, refined and turned into something useful for communities across ������ο��Ƶ.”

“Too often, great ideas stall because people lack access to the right tools,” added Chad LaComb, director of the Office of Innovation Management. “This space helps remove that barrier and gives innovators a place to build.”

Contact the LEED Center at LEED@������ο��Ƶ.edu or (337) 482-2559 for more information.