The grand opening of the Makerspace Learning and Design Center – funded in part by the U.S. government – took place on June 24 at the American University of Central Asia (AUCA) in Bishkek. Students and other community members can use high-tech equipment at the new center to develop and produce prototypes of innovative products. The U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) American Schools and Hospitals Abroad initiative, Bard College, and American University of Central Asia funded the Makerspace’s construction, the U.S. Embassy in Kyrgyzstan reported.
Several dignitaries attended the opening ceremony, including Mr. Akylbek Japarov, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, and Mr. Kanat Abdrakhmatov, President of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic. The Makerspace is a creative space equipped with high-tech equipment, including 3D printers, laser cutters, robotics kits, and sewing equipment. The center will be open to AUCA students and faculty, as well as scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and developers. They can use the Makerspace to network, learn, exchange ideas, create prototypes, and attract investors.
“Makerspace is a place where technologies become accessible to everyone, and innovative projects become reality. There are many creative and progressive people in Kyrgyzstan who urgently need such space as an opportunity to realize their potential and benefit society,” said Akylbek Japarov.
USAID/Kyrgyz Republic Mission Director Kaya Adams praised the new facility saying, “We are especially proud of our partnership with the American University of Central Asia. This new building will strengthen AUCA’s international, diverse learning community and multidisciplinary learning approach. It will bring together creative thinkers of differing nationalities, ethnicities, gender, and professional backgrounds, including people with disabilities, to forge innovative solutions.”
Photo: U.S. Embassy in Kyrgyzstan
