In keeping with tradition, Fab Academy 2025 opened with the final presentations of students from the previous class—an opportunity to share, reflect, and celebrate together. The class of 2025 welcomed 183 students from over 50 countries, supported by 55 global nodes. And the 2024 academic cycle concluded with an impressive total of 168 graduating students!

The first month of Fab Academy 2025 was an exciting journey filled with hands-on learning, collaboration, and cutting-edge innovation. Students from around the world engaged in digital fabrication, acquiring proficiency in design tools and extending the limits of their creativity. From setting up repositories and refining CAD skills to exploring AI, 3D printing, and embedded programming, this year’s cohort has accomplished a lot in a short amount of time!

Here are some highlights:

Kicking Off With Digital Foundations

The first few weeks focused on establishing strong practices for digital documentation and collaboration. Students learned about:

• Repo management & Git best practices – Keeping repositories lightweight and efficient for smooth project documentation

• Version control with Git – Streamlining workflows with shortcuts and efficient commit strategies

• Website creation – Exploring tools like Notion, HTML5 UP templates, and Linux-based development environments

CAD & Design: From Sketch to Reality

Students took their first deep dive into Computer-Aided Design (CAD), exploring:

• 2D & 3D modeling using FreeCAD, Fusion 360, OpenSCAD, Blender, and GrasshoppeR

• Parametric design for adaptive structures and press-fit kits

• Game engines and physics simulations with Unity, Unreal Engine, and Blender

🌟 Featured Projects:

• Ana Camila Luna (Cuenca) (opens new window) created 3D models in VR using Gravity Sketch.

• Forest Oliphant (Aalto) (opens new window) explored PicoCAD and SolveSpace for 3D modeling.

• Pablo Guindos (A Industriosa) (opens new window) designed energy-efficient panels using Grasshopper.

Computer-Controlled Cutting & Fabrication

The transition from digital design to physical prototyping began with laser cutting, vinyl cutting, and CNC techniques. Students were challenged to create parametric construction kits that could be assembled in multiple ways.

🔥 Featured Projects:

• Jeremy Losaw (UNC Charlotte) (opens new window) designed a laser-cut bokeh filter kit.

• Evelyn Cuadrado (Lima) (opens new window) experimented with textile vinyl applications.

• Leonardo Zamora (Puebla) (opens new window) created a laser-cut roller coaster model.

3D Printing & Scanning: Pushing the Boundaries of Digital Fabrication

Students took on the challenge of 3D scanning and printing, exploring various technologies, materials, and design strategies. They learned about:

• 3D printing processes – SLA, FDM, and binder jetting

• Design rules – Avoiding overhangs, optimizing support structures, and using slicing software efficiently

• 3D scanning techniques – Photogrammetry, structured light scanning, and LiDAR

🛠 Featured Projects:

• Elsa Cui (Formshop) (opens new window) used a Goertek VR model full-body scanner for human modeling.

• Julian Bassler (HRW Bottrop) (opens new window) designed and printed a chainmail spinning top.

• Mihir Shah (Riidl) (opens new window) created an illuminated Batman Light.

• Diarmuid Kelly (Creative Spark) (opens new window) explored Reality Composer Pro and parametric plant pots.

• Leonardo Zamora (Puebla) (opens new window) designed a 3D-printed lightsaber.

• Omar Albalbaki (Techworks) (opens new window) experimented with Robot Operating System (ROS) for 3D scanning.

Embedded Programming & AI-Powered Making

The class has also delved into electronics, programming, and AI, paving the way for smart and interactive projects. Topics covered:

• Introduction to embedded programming using STM32, RP2040, and Pico W

• EDA tools like KiCad and Eagle for circuit design

• AI-powered fabrication with tools like Stable Diffusion, Midjourney, and TinyML

🔧 Featured Projects:

• Jakob Lerch (Ilmenau) (opens new window) explored FAUST for sound processing.

• Shintaro Ito (Kannai) (opens new window) used LLMs in Japanese to learn electronics.

• Daniel Perez (Puebla) (opens new window) leveraged AI for automated coding and design.

Recitations: Deep Dives into Key Topics

Throughout the first month, students also participated in expert recitations, gaining insights into advanced tools and best practices:

• Mastering Git for digital collaboration with Julian Gallimore – Understanding the backbone of efficient project management

• Debugging & problem solving with Nicolas De Coster and Henk Buursen – Learning troubleshooting techniques for electronics

• Exploring AI in digital fabrication with Crail Lyu, Valdemar Danry & Olivia Seow – Understanding the intersection of AI and making, from TinyML to generative design tools

Watch the recitation

What’s Next?

The Fab Academy 2025 journey is just getting started, and we can’t wait to see what our students create next. The coming weeks promise exciting challenges as students dive deeper into electronics production, CNC machining, and molding & casting. We’ll be back with more updates soon!

Interested in joining Fab Academy for the next cycle? Learn more here (opens new window)

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