Creatives can find a home at the Co-Lab

Last Tuesday a line snaked out the door of Duke’s Innovation Co-Lab, located in the Telcom building on West Campus, for its Spring Open House. Groups of friends were drawn in by Chick-fil-A chicken sandwiches, soft drinks and chips, while upbeat music energized the crowd. 

“The biggest misunderstanding is that the Co-Lab is only for STEM people,” said Rebecca Johnson, the Co-Lab’s program coordinator, who was handing out pamphlets to interested students. 

The Innovation Co-Lab is a space for creative technology exploration, open to everyone at Duke, regardless of skill level or field of study. Whether you’re studying public policy, computer science, or art history, anyone with an idea worth making will find a home here. The lab hosts the resources for 3D printing, laser cutting, AI, VR, and more. Wild ideas are not just welcomed but encouraged. Past student projects have ranged from designing roller blade body suits and AI-controlled robot arms. 

For students unfamiliar with hands-on technology, the Co-Lab offers the Roots program, a series of beginner-friendly workshops on topics ranging from “Explore AI” to “Build Cool Hardware.” They offer both in-person and self-paced remote workshops, accessible through Pathways. These sessions help students get used to tools through simple projects, making it easy to gain confidence in the space. The spring 2026 Roots schedule provides students with opportunities to develop new skills. 

Open House attendees learned that the Co-Lab also provides seed funding for student projects through an innovative grant program. But you don’t need a funded project to get started. Students can walk in and ask members for help, whether they’re ready to create or are interested in exploring available tools. 

Visit the Co-Lab during open hours or enroll in a Roots program course via Pathways. 

Hasan Belgaumi, ‘29
OIT Marketing & Communications Intern