How can I use CERN IdeaSquare?
Workshops and hackathons, prototyping facilities, events and more: find out how the CERN community can benefit from IdeaSquare, the innovation space at CERN
What is IdeaSquare and where can I find it?
IdeaSquare is known as the innovation space at CERN. It offers a space where prototypes for CERN collaborations, KT projects at CERN and EU projects linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals can be rapidly developed. It also hosts educational programmes for students, as well as workshops and hackathons, and offers unique meeting spaces. It is located on the Meyrin campus, just behind the Globe of Science and Innovation. All you need to enter is a CERN access card.
What prototyping facilities are available at IdeaSquare?
The space houses a 3D-printing studio, a machine shop with laser cutters and a water jet, and an electrical workshop containing sensors, basic electrical components, soldering irons and an oscilloscope. You can use them for your work at CERN free of charge, unless you require large volumes of materials, in which case a small fee is charged. Before you use the 3D printer or laser cutter, make sure you attend one of the regular training sessions that are organised in IdeaSquare.
What else is on offer for the CERN community?
You can also use IdeaSquare for your CERN team’s events, hackathons and workshops. For events, the space consists of 700m2 of office space, split into five meeting rooms in glass containers and two meeting rooms in its famous double-decker bus. The team at IdeaSquare also has expertise in running workshops on design thinking and much more. If you think any of this would be useful to your team, check out this webpage to find out more.
How can I book IdeaSquare’s facilities?
There is a booking system for both the prototyping facilities and the hosting of events. Firstly, check out the prototyping calendar or the events calendar to see when the space is available, and then send an email with details of your requirements to idea.square@cern.ch.
Are there any IdeaSquare events I can participate in?
The next event for the community is the IdeaSquare 10th anniversary. It will be held on 8 November 2024 and will include a variety of talks and networking opportunities. Furthermore, keep your eyes peeled for the next edition of the IdeaSquare Open Doors event, where the CERN community will be able to explore all the space has to offer.
How can I help IdeaSquare?
IdeaSquare needs CERN guides to help guide its students and visitors around CERN. You can also assist the team in student workshops. Find out how you can help by contacting idea.square@cern.ch.
How can I find out more?
You can check out the IdeaSquare website or catch up with the most recent IdeaSquare progress report, which details IdeaSquare’s aims, projects, events, innovation programmes and facts and figures from 2021-2023. Or just pop in to visit – the IdeaSquare team are available to answer your questions. For any other information, you can contact idea.square@cern.ch.