Gym memberships spike early in the New Year as those making resolutions to get in shape look for places to exercise. In Philadelphia, a different kind of gym--one for those innovators seeking to exercise their ideas--opened in January.

The NextFab Studio, billed as the city’s first “gym for innovators,” is housed in the University City Science Center and began accepting members two weeks ago.

“One of the unique benefits of being a member is the opportunity to brainstorm with innovators from an enormous diversity of backgrounds, with everything you need to test out an idea at your fingertips,” says Malone.

Of course, the other benefit is access to expensive equipment that can turn dreams into reality, like 3D printers, laser cutters, and digital embroiderers, among others. In addition, expert instructors and a diverse community of collaborators can help inventors, artists and innovators address problems and achieve their vision.

The studio operates in partnership with the Science Center’s nonprofit Breadboard program to bring the arts, technology education and innovation opportunities to the broader community as it explores intersections between contemporary art, design, science and technology.

Memberships start at $1,100 annually and $825 for students. For additional fees, members also have access to raw materials from the studio’s stockroom, storage, technical courses, specialty equipment and proprietary materials, and consulting.

Malone is co-creator of the Fab@Home project that provides an affordable and open source system for at-home 3D printing and also owns an internet café in South Africa. He also worked at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, where he helped design the Proton Driver particle accelerator.

Source: Evan Malone, NextFab Studio
Writer: Joe Petrucci