You never know where the next big thing might come from.
Not quite 50 years ago in a garage in California, a couple of guys named Steve wired up some early personal computers. Not long after, those Steves — Jobs and Wozniak — launched what became a little technology company called Apple.
Of course, not every tinkering Steve (or Stephanie) becomes a billionaire. Innovation — the spark that creates something new from one’s own ideas, vision and talents — can be its own reward. One person’s quest for the next million-dollar idea is another’s creative outlet, meditation or source of artistic expression.
Last week was a good week for innovation locally as the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce capped its “Innovation Week” with the official opening of Columbus Propeller, a new makerspace.
Organizers said the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the space at Columbus Municipal Airport attracted around 150 to 300 people, as The Republic’s Jana Wiersema reported.
Just like the projects that makers will develop at Propeller, the space itself is still a work in progress that’s going to take some time and thought to figure out.
Propeller is described by the chamber as “the home of a thriving community where we can unleash each other’s creative potential.” So far, the facility offers 3D printers, woodworking equipment, metalworking equipment and an electronics lab. So if you’re someone who likes to tinker, whether your talent is making duck decoys or robots, you’ll want to give Propeller a spin.
This is a long-overdue and welcome addition to our community that has something to offer just about everyone who has a creative streak. It also reflects our community’s penchant for design, our innovative industrial heritage, and that distinctly Hoosier impulse to build a better mousetrap.
Propeller is getting off the ground due in large part to a $65,000 sponsorship from Velocities, the Chamber’s partnership with the Mill in Bloomington and Elevate Ventures, but the aim is for makers to chart the space’s future flight path.
Memberships will be offered at a couple of levels — “Liftoff” membership at $20 a month for three months and $40 for each month after that, or “Flagship” membership, $200 for six months paid upfront. Either provides access to the Propeller facility, equipment and materials, as well as discounts for classes and events. Flagship members also will have a vote in future equipment purchases.
Additionally, Chamber President Cindy Frey said the space also wants to provide help for entrepreneurs who want to develop businesses. She told Wiersema that young professionals she’s talked to are excited to lend their time and talents in a number of ways.
“We are seeking volunteers and partners who would like to teach new skills, lead a club of like-minded tinkerers, provide safety instruction or volunteer in another capacity,” she added. “We need computer programmers, safety experts, machinists, builders, seamstresses, artists, crafters, woodworkers, electricians, and anyone passionate about making.”
If this sound like you, check out Propeller’s next Saturday startup from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 23, or learn more about our new makerspace at columbuspropeller.com.
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