Three HSRW students successfully complete international Fab Academy
Leen Skaf, Lysander Trapp and Mika Günther have successfully completed the renowned Fab Academy. At the FabLab in Kamp-Lintfort, they developed their own projects in digital fabrication – ranging from 3D printing and CNC milling to electronics design. In recognition of their achievements, they were invited to the international FabX 2025 conference in the Czech Republic, where MIT Professor Neil Gershenfeld personally presented them with their diplomas.
Mika Günther receives his diploma from MIT Professor Gershenfeld
In January 2025, the three students began the six-month programme of the international Fab Academy. Upon successful completion, they were invited to the global FabX 2025 conference in Prague and Brno, where they received their Fab Academy Diplomas directly from Professor Neil Gershenfeld.
Under the motto “How to make (almost) anything”, Gershenfeld – founder of the FabLab movement and Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – leads this internationally recognised training programme in digital fabrication. The interactive lectures are streamed live from MIT to locations including the FabLab Kamp-Lintfort. A virtual campus connects students across the globe, enabling collaborative project work in more than 60 FabLabs worldwide.
“The core idea of the Fab Academy is to teach you how to make things – and to show that anyone can turn designs and projects into reality. It really pushed me to my limits while helping me rediscover areas of knowledge I already had ‘up my sleeve’,” explains Lysander Trapp.
As in previous years, hundreds of participants worldwide – ranging from makers and students to professors – took part in the programme, among them the three students from Hochschule Rhein-Waal. In Kamp-Lintfort, they first designed their projects using CAD software before manufacturing them with CNC machines, 3D printers or laser cutters. The required electronics were also designed and produced by the students themselves.
“What impressed me most was the international community and the exchange with fellow participants. I especially enjoyed the opportunity to gain so much hands-on experience,” says Leen Skaf. A particular highlight was the so-called Wildcard Week, where participants could freely pursue their own ideas, as long as they related to digital fabrication. “My favourite part was definitely Wildcard Week, when we could create whatever we wanted,” adds Mika Günther. “I combined 3D printing with textile design by taking a piece of fabric and printing directly onto it.”
With the successful completion of the programme, the students were invited to the international Fab25 Czechia conference. In addition to the official diploma ceremony, the event offered numerous opportunities for networking and professional workshops. A special highlight was the Prusa Day, including an exclusive tour of the Prusa Factory – Europe’s most renowned 3D printer manufacturer.
Background
Professor Dr Neil A. Gershenfeld is Director of the Center for Bits and Atoms at MIT and is regarded as the father of the maker movement. His research spans quantum computing, nanotechnology and personal fabrication. He has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the Scientific American 50 (2004) and one of the “Top 100 Public Intellectuals” by Prospect magazine.
Hochschule Rhein-Waal has taken part in the Fab Academy since 2017 – as the first university in Germany to do so. The practice-oriented programme has been offered worldwide since 2009. To date, almost 40 students, staff and professors from the university have successfully completed it.