InnovaLab: A Laboratory Transforming Education and Bringing Technology Closer to Students
InnovaLab is an innovative Tecsup initiative that empowers young students through emerging technologies. This mobile laboratory combines hands-on training in digital tools with purposeful projects, fostering key skills for a highly technological and collaborative future.
1. What is InnovaLab, and what is its main goal?
InnovaLab is a mobile educational laboratory that introduces emerging technologies, such as 3D printing and extended reality, to high school students. Its primary goal is to democratize access to advanced tools while promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills. We seek to inspire young people to develop technological solutions that address real-world issues like pollution and the lack of green spaces
2. What opportunities does InnovaLab offer beyond school classrooms?
In addition to school workshops, Tecsup organizes extracurricular programs at its campus for students in their fourth and fifth years of high school. These certified courses last two months, allowing students to deepen their knowledge of emerging technologies, such as digital fabrication. To date, over 946 students have participated in the mobile laboratory, while an additional 75 have completed certified programs on campus.
3. What is the mobile laboratory, and how does it impact school communities?
The mobile laboratory visits public and private schools in Arequipa, staying for one to two weeks. During this time, students engage in practical activities like 2D design, 3D modeling, and digital printing. These experiences spark interest in technological careers while enabling students to apply technology to practical solutions. Highlights include projects such as architecturally designed vertical gardens and waste collection mechanisms using recognition technology, which have been presented at science fairs and international competitions.
4. What is Tecsup's vision for the future of InnovaLab?
Tecsup aims to expand InnovaLab's reach by establishing agreements with more educational institutions to tailor programs to their specific needs. InnovaLab is not just a laboratory; it's a tool to inspire young people to think critically and act for the benefit of their communities.