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 Center Fall 2026 Hours
Monday – Thursday
9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday
9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location
STEI 118
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.
Closed during staff events and holidays. See dates below.
Holiday Hours and Closures
Labor Day
Monday, September 7, 2026
Thanksgiving Break
Wednesday, November 25 – Friday, November 27, 2026
Winter Break
Monday, December 14, 2026 – Friday, January 1, 2027
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Monday, January 18, 2027
Spring Break
Monday, March 15 – Friday, March 19, 2027
Good Friday
Friday, March 26, 2027
Memorial Day
Monday, May 31, 2027
Juneteenth
Friday, June 18, 2027
Independence Day
Friday, July 2 – Monday, July 5, 2027