It begins with an idea 💡
Bringing ideas into reality
We believe in asking students to think big—with no prior experience required. As part of our commitment to innovation, every interested MIT student can request between $1,000 and $25,000 from the Sandbox Innovation Fund Program to explore taking a project from idea to impact. The program helps jump-start student ideas, provides dedicated mentoring from within MIT and committed partners, and delivers tailored educational experiences. Sandbox also provides connections to the broader MIT entrepreneurial ecosystem including the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship.
Be a maker
MIT has over 40 design/build/maker spaces on campus. In an effort to foster maker communities, we developed the MakerLodge program. Through MakerLodge, students are trained on introductory technology, including 3D printers, laser cutters, micro/nano making, and glass working—to name just a few. Makerspaces at MIT are usually one of three types–machine shops specialize in training/mentoring/making and tend to focus on the creation of complex systems or fine-detailed components, project makerspaces primarily support class projects, and community makerspaces foster unrestricted making via a community effort.