Fab Academy
Learn Digital Fabrication,
Connect with the World
World-standard digital fabrication program
Implemented in 2,500+ Fab Labs across 125 countries
Connected to a Global Network
Learn together with makers from around the world
Implemented in labs worldwide
Global network spanning all continents
Program history since 2009
What is Fab Academy?
Learn everything from basics to advanced techniques in digital fabrication
Fab Academy is an intensive digital fabrication education program taught by Professor Neil Gershenfeld of MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology).
Over 20 weeks (approximately 5 months), students learn various digital fabrication techniques including 2D/3D CAD, 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC machining, electronics, programming, and molding.
The program connects students globally: local workgroups at Fab Labs with shared online lectures create a global learning community.
Program Features
MIT Professor's Weekly Lectures
Every Wednesday, Professor Neil Gershenfeld and guest experts provide lectures in English. First 90 minutes: student presentations; second 90 minutes: new content lecture.
Hands-on Fabrication
Not just theory—you'll actually use digital fabrication equipment at Fab Labs to complete assignments and build prototypes.
Documentation Skills
Create your own website to document processes and results for each assignment. Learn to share your work with the world.
Final Project
Create an original prototype that doesn't exist in the world, integrating the skills learned over six months. Challenge yourself to make something entirely new.
20-Week Curriculum
Learn comprehensive skills from basics to advanced techniques
Project Management & Presentation
Principles and practices, project management methods, effective presentation techniques
CAD & 3D Modeling
Design and modeling using 2D/3D CAD software
Laser Cutting
Computer-controlled cutting and engraving techniques
Embedded Programming
Electronics and programming with microcontrollers and sensors
3D Scanning & Printing
3D scanning technology and fabrication with 3D printers
Electronic Circuit Design
Circuit design and PCB fabrication techniques
CNC Machining
Computer-controlled precision machining
PCB Fabrication
Printed circuit board fabrication and component mounting
Input Devices
Designing and fabricating input devices like sensors and buttons
Output Devices
Controlling motors, LEDs, displays, and more
Network Communication
IoT and wireless communication technologies
Mechanical Design
Mechanical system design and fabrication
Molding & Casting
Mold-making and replication techniques
Web Application Development
Interface design and application development
Intellectual Property
Protection and utilization of intellectual property
Business Development
Fundamentals of productization and business
For detailed curriculum, see Fab Academy 2025 Schedule.
Who Should Join
High school age and above—students from various backgrounds participate
Planning to Start a Fab Lab
Learn Fab Lab operations and community management while joining a global network.
Acquire New Skills
For those wanting to learn digital fabrication from scratch, or enhance existing skills with systematic knowledge.
Tech-Focused Education/Career
High school/college students considering engineering or design paths can gain a competitive advantage.
Join Global Networks
Connect with makers and engineers worldwide—a rare opportunity to make international connections.
Build Domestic/International Networks
Form connections with domestic and international makers, engineers, and designers—relationships that last a lifetime.
Realize Your Ideas
For those with product or service ideas—learn the skills to build prototypes and materialize concepts.
👥 Support System at Fab Lab Westharima
Experienced instructors will support your learning journey
Hiroe Takeda
Novice Instructor
Fab Academy 2023 graduate. Drawing on her own experience, she provides clear guidance for beginners.
Fab Doc
Shin Masuoka
Novice Instructor
Fab Academy 2023 graduate. Provides comprehensive support from technical assistance to assignment advice.
Fab Doc
Koharu Takeda
Novice Instructor from 2026
Fab Academy 2025 student. Will join the support team as a novice instructor from 2026, bringing fresh perspectives.
Fab Doc
Kazunari Takeda
Founder / Manager
Founder of Fab Lab Westharima. Expert in mechanical, electrical, and control design, providing technical backup.
Kazutoshi Tsuda
Guru
Associate Professor, Graduate School of Design, Kyoto Institute of Technology. Based at Fab Lab Kitakagaya. Fab Academy 2014 graduate. Specializes in sustainability design, digital fabrication, and biotechnology. With extensive experience, supports even highly challenging assignments.
✨ What Do You Gain from Fab Academy?
Benefits seen through real graduate examples
Career Change Realization
Real Example: Asako Okazaki (2015 graduate)[1] participated in launching TechShop Japan after graduation, now working as a service designer. "Fab Academy was the catalyst for my career change," she says.
Startup Founding
Real Example: Guillaume Teyssié[2] developed his Fab Academy Final Project into the Aquapioneer startup, successfully productizing an idea into a business.
Professional Application
Real Example: An architect graduate now works at a company in Barcelona, applying Fab Academy-learned skills directly to architectural design projects.
Global Network Access
Graduate Voice: "I gained connections with makers and engineers from around the world. These relationships continue to be valuable in my current work."
Job/Education Advantages
Fact: Fab Academy experience becomes a strong advantage when applying for tech/design companies or graduate school. Scholarships are also available.
Fab Lab Management Participation
Real Example: A graduate from an agricultural background became a Fab Lab Manager at Vigyan Ashram (India), now teaching the next generation of makers.
💬 Common Graduate Voices
"It's been a long time since I learned so much in just a few months"
"Gained connections with makers worldwide. Invaluable for future work"
"Not just techniques—learned the mindset of making and ways of thinking"
📚 References & Citations
[1] Interview with Asako Okazaki: Drawing the Future through FabLab | FabLab Japan Network (Japanese)
[2] Guillaume Teyssié's Fab Academy Project: Aquapioneer - Fab Academy 2016 Archive
※ Other examples are generalized based on Fab Academy official materials and publicly available graduate information.
Fab Academy 2025
Join the latest program starting January 2025
📅 Program Schedule
- Start: January 22, 2025 (Wednesday)
- Duration: Approximately 20 weeks
- Format: Weekly lectures every Wednesday (3 hours)
🎓 2025 Graduation
Dates: July 4-11, 2025
Location: Czech Republic (Held alongside Fab Conference)
The graduation ceremony is held in a different country each year, providing a valuable opportunity to connect with the global Fab Lab community.
For the latest information, see Fab Academy 2025 Official Site.
Enrollment Process
Three simple steps to enroll at Fab Lab Westharima
Contact Us
Please contact us through our contact form.
Tour & Orientation
Based on your inquiry, we'll arrange a tour of Fab Lab Westharima and conduct an orientation session online or in-person.
Student Registration
Approved applicants will receive guidance on student registration after the interview.
For tuition fees and detailed information, see Fab Academy Pricing.
Contact Us🎖️ Fab Lab Westharima Graduates
Fab Lab Westharima has produced multiple Fab Academy graduates
Koharu Takeda
🏆 2025 First GraduatorCompleted Fab Academy 2025 and was the first to graduate globally with excellent results.
View Portfolio →Two Graduates
※Both studied at Fab Lab Kitakagaya and now contribute to nurturing the next generation at Fab Lab Westharima
Join Fab Academy?
If you have any questions about enrolling in Fab Academy, please feel free to contact us. We welcome tours and information sessions at any time.