Fabacademy2026
Fabacademy2026 at Waag Futurelab¶
Registration for Fab Academy 2026 are OPEN!¶
Download Brochure Fab Academy¶
Fab Academy Amsterdam 2026 – Course Presentation¶
Join the Fab Academy at Fablab Amsterdam and discover how your ideas can take shape—transforming digital designs into physical creations. Over five intensive months, you’ll learn to envision, design, and prototype projects using state-of-the-art digital fabrication tools and machines.
The 2026 Fab Academy course begins on January 19th and concludes on June 12th. The program culminates in a graduation ceremony at the prestigious FabX event, which will be hosted this year at the Center for Bits and Atoms (CBA) in Boston.
Registration is open¶
This multidisciplinary, hands-on program is built around learning by doing. You’ll gain practical experience in digital fabrication, develop innovative solutions, and create tangible projects in a collaborative environment. Fab Academy empowers you to make locally, contribute to sustainable communities, and become an active participant in shaping the future of our cities.
The Global Classroom at Fab Academy¶
Fab Academy offers a unique “distributed education” model, combining online and in-person learning. As a student, you’ll engage on both global and local levels. Globally, you’ll join over 250 participants from more than 50 cities in weekly Global Lectures. Each lecture introduces new content and assignments, followed by interactive review sessions that connect you with the worldwide Fab Academy community.
The Fab Academy curriculum is inspired by MIT’s renowned rapid-prototyping course, ‘How To Make (Almost) Anything’. The 2026 cycle brings an exciting expansion — with more senior instructors and experienced faculty joining the mix, and the same inspiring direction from Neil Gershenfeld at the core. Upon completion, you’ll earn the Fab Academy Diploma, recognized by the Fab Lab Network and Fab Foundation.
Your Local Digital Fabrication Playground¶
At Fablab Amsterdam, you’ll have hands-on access to cutting-edge digital fabrication tools and equipment. The course covers a wide range of skills, including project management, computer-aided design, computer-controlled cutting, electronics, 3D scanning and printing, electronics design, CNC machining, embedded programming, molding and casting, networking and communications, mechanical design, interface and application programming, and machine design.
In addition to the global lectures, you’ll receive dedicated local support, giving you the opportunity to develop your projects and make full use of Fablab Amsterdam’s facilities.
What You’ll Achieve at Fab Academy Amsterdam¶
By the end of the Fab Academy course at Fablab Amsterdam, you’ll have the essential skills to plan, develop, and prototype your own final project. You’ll gain a thorough understanding of how to design for sustainability, build a business model, and share your work in an open-source environment.
Why Choose Fab Academy in Amsterdam?¶
Fablab Amsterdam is recognized as a leading center for digital fabrication and innovation. Our expert instructors and multidisciplinary team offer hands-on guidance in areas such as digital fabrication, machine learning, coding, and materials science. You’ll learn in a professional lab environment, collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds and expanding both your technical and creative horizons.
The course is enriched through partnerships with local and international programs, providing opportunities to connect with a vibrant community of makers, designers, and innovators. Fab Academy alumni have gone on to take leading roles in the global Fab Lab network, launch their own design studios, and become entrepreneurs in the fields of innovation and social design.
An Innovative Environment¶
Located in the heart of Amsterdam, Waag Futurelab is situated within one of Europe’s most dynamic and internationally renowned urban landscapes for science, technology, and design. Amsterdam’s historic city center and creative districts are home to a vibrant mix of cutting-edge research institutes, design studios, art galleries, tech startups, universities, and cultural organizations. Here, centuries-old architecture stands alongside contemporary landmarks such as the NEMO Science Museum, the Amsterdam Science Park, and the Eye Filmmuseum, reflecting the city’s unique blend of tradition and innovation.
Waag Futurelab, as a pioneering institute, is deeply embedded in this ecosystem—connecting global networks of makers, researchers, and designers. The city’s open and collaborative spirit fosters cross-disciplinary exchange, making Amsterdam a true epicenter for creative experimentation and scientific advancement. This environment provides Fab Academy participants with unparalleled opportunities to engage with leading experts, access state-of-the-art facilities, and contribute to the future of design, technology, and society.