From concept to creation: Summer design and prototype fund
Do you have a creative idea you’ve been itching to prototype? This summer, we’re giving you the tools, materials, and space to bring it to life.
From concept to creation: Summer design and prototype fund
Do you have a creative idea you’ve been itching to prototype? This summer, we’re giving you the tools, materials, and space to bring it to life.
Apply now for the START UP x Makerspace Summer design and prototype fund to experiment, build, and showcase your ideas.
✅ Access to the Stephenson Makerspace
✅ Materials provided (first-come, first-served!)
✅ Training and support including Makerspace inductions and START UP creative huddles
✅ Final showcase at our Pop-Up Shop in September
Whether you’re a designer, engineer, entrepreneur, or just curious, this is your chance to make something real.
👉 Apply Now – Expression of Interest Form
🗓️ Open Call: 9 June – 10 September
🛠️ Prototyping: 1 July – 1 September
🎉 Demo Day: 18 September
Who Can Apply?
Current students or summer 2025 graduates, all disciplines welcome, no experience needed.
Applicants must be a current student or part of the summer graduating classes (you must have a working Newcastle email and smartcard to access the Makerspace) with an idea you wish to explore through prototyping or making.
How to Apply
Fill out our quick Expression of Interest form below, and meet with one of our Start Up Consultants
What can’t I make?
Electrical and metal-related requirements fall outside the scope of our prototype fund.
Prototype fund recipients must not be involved in any form of illegal activity or activity which in the sole determination of Newcastle University may bring the University into disrepute. The University may reject applicants at any stage of the application process and may terminate an offer where activity is not in line with the values of the University or presents a potential reputational risk for the University. Assessment of grant requests will be made in the context of the University’s values and in line with university processes and procedures.
When are the Makerspace inductions?
Induction dates will run fortnightly on a Wednesday at 13.00 from 11 June located in MFL2 (second floor Stephenson building). The sessions are drop-in so there’s no need to sign up.
- Wednesday 11 June - 13:00
- Wednesday 25 June - 13:00
- Wednesday 9 July - 13:00
- Wednesday 23 July - 13:00
- Wednesday 6 August - 13:00
- Wednesday 20 August - 13:00
What is the Demo Day?
Final prototypes will be exhibited at a 'Demo Day' on Thursday 18 September in the START UP Pop-up Shop, where students can present their work to peers, staff, local businesses and potential collaborators during induction week in September 2025.
When are the START UP creative huddles?
Our creative huddles are a chance to check in with the START UP team and other students working on their prototypes. Meet in the King’s Gate START UP space to ask questions and discuss your ideas and solutions.
- Wednesday 25 June 14:00 - 16:00
- Wednesday 23 July 14:00 - 16:00
- Wednesday 27 August 14:00 - 16:00
- Wednesday 10 September 14:00 - 16:00
Embroidery Machine
3D printing machine
3D printed flower
Makerspace 3D printed clock
Laser-cutting machine
Laser engraving