ProtoHub
Who we are
The ProtoHub is a collaborative innovation space at UNSW Canberra City designed to support rapid concept development and hands-on experimentation. The facility is equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters and general fabrication tools. By connecting researchers, designers and engineers, the ProtoHub enables teams to move from schematic to physical prototype within hours, supporting electronics builds, early-stage mechanical prototyping and rapid design testing.
Acting as a catalyst for collaboration across Australia's commercial, research and sovereign capability sectors, the ProtoHub provides industry and government partners with access to advanced prototyping infrastructure that accelerates product development and manufacturing readiness. At the same time, it supports hands-on learning and entrepreneurial development for students and researchers working alongside industry.
UNSW Canberra City
ProtoHub is part of UNSW Canberra City – our collaborative innovation ecosystem – where shared facilities and co-working spaces bring together researchers, industry partners, entrepreneurs and students to rapidly move ideas from design to real-world application.
Capabilities
Instruments
PRUSA SLA Resin 3D printers
High-precision additive manufacturing equipment for rapid prototyping and complex geometry fabrication.
Trotec Speedy 360 laser cutter
Laser cutting technology for rapid and highly accurate material fabrication and iterative design testing.
ProtoMAX waterjet cutter
A versatile waterjet system designed for precision cutting of early-stage mechanical prototypes and complex components.
Digital badges & training
Access to the ProtoHub is supported by a comprehensive digital badge programme that allows users to undertake targeted courses and certify their competency. All training courses are also available to industry partners to implement within their own makerspaces. Our Workshop Fundamentals and Safety course, for example, has already been successfully delivered in-house for government clients.
If you are new to the space, you will start with our entry-level induction before progressing to individual machine badges.
Most badges require completion of the associated online components - including review of the Safe Work Procedure (SWP), Risk Management Form (RMF), and online assessment - followed by an in-person induction and hands-on training.
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Your entry-level safety induction granting card access to the UNSW Canberra City facility and basic equipment use. This badge introduces users to essential safety, emergency, and respectful usage procedures required to operate within the makerspace environment.
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Certified competency for the safe operation of the Trotec Speedy 360 Laser Cutter.
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Competency-based induction for operating our advanced waterjet cutting systems.
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Certification for the safe operation and post-processing of our PRUSA SLA resin 3D printers.
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Foundational training covering essential workshop practices, hazard identification and the safe operation of general hand and power tools.
Our people
How to access
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Reach out to our team to discuss your vision and how we can help accelerate your hardware development. This initial enquiry serves as the first step in your application for facility access.
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Once we've received your enquiry, we'll schedule a meeting to map out your specific project goals and ensure all technical and safety requirements are seamlessly integrated.
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We provide comprehensive safety induction to earn your Makerspace Safety Badge. You'll then be able to train on specific pieces of equipment and be fully authorised to commence production.
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Our staff will remain available to assist with equipment guidance, safety compliance and project support. Please ensure you consult the displayed Safe Work Procedures (SWPs) before operating any equipment.
Fees
Costs are determined on a case‑by‑case basis. Please get in touch to discuss a tailored solution that best matches your individual or organisational requirements.
Contact us
We invite you to experience our innovation precinct firsthand. Reach out to our team today to discuss your strategic goals and arrange a tour of UNSW Canberra City and our facilities.
We like to hear from you. If you have questions, requests or ideas for collaboration, please complete the contact form and we will be in touch within five business days.
Get in touch about your project
We offer a range of services that can be tailored to your needs. Please send us an enquiry to get started.
