Innovation Center
Located in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Innovation Building on the Brenham Campus, the 3,000-square-foot Blinn College District Innovation Center offers high-demand, hands-on training in emerging technology. Featuring a 3D printing lab, laser and vinyl cutters, soldering stations, a robotics area, drones, a workspace for creating prototypes and component parts, and a virtual reality space, the Innovation Center is a space where Blinn faculty and students can turn their ideas into reality.
FAQ
The Innovation Center is free for Blinn College faculty, staff, and students to use.
All Innovation Center equipment is free for Blinn faculty, staff, and students.
The Innovation Center does not hold nor require training for equipment use. However, the Innovation Center wants users to feel comfortable and confident with the equipment before operating it. If you are a first-time user of the equipment, please ask for assistance from the Innovation Center Manager.
Yes, some of the equipment requires software to be downloaded. We recommend downloading the required software on your personal computer. However, if this is not possible, you also can check out a laptop already loaded with the needed software. If you have any questions regarding software downloading, stop by the Innovation Center for assistance.
In most cases, yes. Please note:
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Materials for the laser cutter and CNC machine must first be approved by the Innovation Center Manager.
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You’re welcome to bring your own fabric or thread for the embroidery machine.
The Innovation Center is introducing "Starred Equipment Only Days," during which only equipment marked with a star will be available for use. If you need to use equipment not marked with a star, you will need to return or schedule an appointment on a normal operation day. Normal operation days are Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
The Innovation Center’s starred equipment includes:
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Craft Station
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Lego Station
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Nintendo Switch
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PlayStation 5, PSVR2, and Driving Simulator
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Wacom Drawing Pad
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Center Computers
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Soldering + Tool Station
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Dobots
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Microwave
Innovation Holiday Hours and Closures
Wednesday, December 10, 2025: All equipment open for use (last day to print)
Thursday, December 11, 2025: Starred Equipment Day (print pick-up only)
Friday, December 12, 2025, through Friday, January 9, 2026: Closed for the holidays
Monday, January 12, 2026: Reopens for the spring semester
Innovation Center Spring 2026 Hours
Monday and Wednesday
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Starred Equipment Only Days
Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Closed during staff events. See dates below.
Location: STEI 118
Email: innovationcenter@blinn.edu
All projects (prints, laser engraving, sewing, vinyl cutting, etc.) must be started at least 30 minutes before closing.
On Starred Equipment Only Days, only equipment marked with a star is available for use.
Events (Staff Only)
- Engineering Club Field Trip: Friday, April 24, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Note: The Innovation Center closes during the staff events below.