SparkLab
Join Us
UNBC INNOVATION HUB

An innovation sandbox empowering dreamers and doers to transform imaginative concepts into real-world solutions.

SparkLab workspace
Who We Are

Where Ideas Take Shape

SparkLab is UNBC’s product creation lab — a space where students, researchers, and community members transform concepts into tangible prototypes. We bridge the gap between imagination and innovation.

With access to 3D printers, electronics workstations, CAD software, and expert mentorship, we provide everything needed to take an idea from sketch to reality.

Open
To Everyone
Weekly
Drop-in Sessions

The tremor simulation device is a tool that allows for the testing of a tremor reduction glove used by people living with essential tremor or Parkinson’s. It’s not a commercial product so when it broke it’s very difficult to replace. The team at Spark Lab was able to redesign the clamp and get the system operational in no time.

— Richard McAloney , Director, CTAAN

Overall, the quality of the print was decent with a clean end finish. Slender parts were fused to the larger parts very well resulting in an acceptable robustness needed for frequent assembling and disassembling that the model will experience, given the print is meant to be used as a demonstration of the structural system in classes and conferences. The use of different colors on individual parts made the model more illustrative. As it is, other than the colors used in the model which do not match the actual material i.e., cross laminated timber and glue laminated timber, and steel, nothing about the model needs to be changed/improved. Thanks for the help and great job on the print.

— Houman Ganjal , PhD candidate, UNBC

I want to express my appreciation for the work you did in designing and developing the custom 3D printed probe holder for my constructed wetland research microcosms. Your design played a critical role in ensuring that our water quality probes consistently recorded measurements at the correct depth, which was vital for the accuracy and reliability of my research data.

— Eric Groenenberg , Master's Student, UNBC

I was trying to attach plastic plates to a shaking platform for an algal growth assay. I used to use tape for that, which was a nuisance because it required lots of tapping and untapping. Spark Lab designed a plate holder that would fit into the holes in the platform. I am immensely thankful to Fryderyk Paczkowski and Caleb Mueller from the Spark Lab for their ingenuity and support in creating the custom plate clamp holders for my research project. Transitioning from the cumbersome tape method to these well crafted clamps has significantly streamlined my process of growing C.merolae strains, allowing for seamless measurements and maintenance of these cultures. This improvement has not only enhanced the efficiency of my work but has also positively impacted the quality of my research outcomes.

— Maryam Ghaffarzadeh , Ph.D. Student, UNBC

The project exceeded our expectations with its precision and robustness. The final models integrate seamlessly into our existing systems, demonstrating outstanding design and engineering skills. The UNBC team's responsiveness and technical expertise were crucial in achieving such a successful outcome.

— Mya Schouwenburg , Master's Student, UNBC
// What We Offer

Services

Drop in every Tuesdays 10–12 or Wednesdays 2–4 or get in touch

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3D Printing & Prototyping

Bring your designs to life with our professional-grade 3D printers and rapid prototyping capabilities.

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Design & Modeling

Access CAD software and expert guidance to create detailed designs and technical models.

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Coding & Electronics

Build circuits, program microcontrollers, and develop custom electronic solutions for your projects.

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Website Development

Create your digital presence with web development support, from simple sites to complex applications.

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AI Tools & Support

Leverage artificial intelligence tools and get guidance on integrating AI into your projects.

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Research Support

Get assistance with academic research, data analysis, and connecting with UNBC resources.

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Entrepreneurship Mentoring

Navigate the journey from idea to business with mentorship and entrepreneurial guidance.

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Community Connections

Join a network of creators, innovators, and like-minded individuals driving positive change.

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CREATE AMAZING
🔥 Tuesdays 10–12 or Wednesdays 2–4

Ready to Create Something Amazing?

Whether you have a fully formed idea or just a spark of inspiration, we’re here to help you build it. Join our weekly sessions and become part of the SparkLab community.

Join The Meeting