A FABLAB AS PART OF A NEW KIND OF BUSINESS INCUBATOR FOR HARDWARE STARTUPS

Different business models exist for FabLabs worldwide. FabLab Graz is breaking new ground by transforming the existing makerspace into a business incubator for startups in the hardware sector. Connecting entrepreneurs with SMEs, established companies, the worldwide FabLab community, motivated students, and other relevant network partners on the campus of a technical university opens new opportunities and is a unique chance for the development of innovative products or companies. In such an environment the FabLab needs to
fulfill certain requirements for entrepreneurs focusing on hardware products. Most FabLabs focus on specific manufacturing technologies, including different tools and high-tech production machines besides the basic FabLab equipment. Based on interviews with various
FabLabs, makerspaces, and startups as well as a web revision, the paper gives insights into the actual state-of-the-art equipment of FabLabs in the United States and Europe. The aim of this market research is to gather a common understanding of what tools are needed in this new
kind of FabLab. According to that result the authors describe the developed business model concept for the next generation of FabLab Graz as part of an incubator for hardware startups and the way to get there. FabLab Graz was founded in 2014 and will be enlarged in size and
variety of manufacturing technologies to become a hardware startup incubator, taking the requirements of the network partners and the potentials of regional industries into account