UCN Expands in Thompson with North Forge Partnership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JULY 27, 2022
University College of the North Expands in Thompson with North Forge Partnership
(Thompson, MB) – The University College of the North (UCN) recently opened The North Forge North Fabrication Lab (Fab Lab) in Thompson in partnership with North Forge and community partners.
North Forge North Fab Lab is a fabrication facility in the City of Thompson. The lab will support those in Thompson and surrounding communities who wish to develop a business or product. The facility will be open to the public by autumn 2022.

“University College of the North has a significant role to play, not only in education and training but in helping communities and people develop skills, knowledge, and entrepreneurial capabilities,” said Doug Lauvstad, UCN President and Vice-Chancellor. “We’re proud to partner with these organizations to deliver this service, not only for Thompson but northern Manitoba.”

The Fab Lab is a space where community members can come to dream, connect, and create. It provides high-tech equipment for prototyping and production. Equipment includes 3-D printers, a CNC router, laser engraver, welding equipment, and other power and hand tools. In addition, North Forge North provides connections with mentors and other entrepreneurs for collaboration, guidance, and support.
“It’s tremendous to see the organizations and individuals who have had this vision for a long time and see it come to fruition and start to see the potential of this moving into the future,” said Rob Penner, UCN’s Associate Vice-President of Community and Industry Solutions. “This is a great example of how none of us can do it individually, but collectively we are much larger than the sum of our parts.”

North Forge North Fab Lab was accomplished in partnership with North Forge Technology Exchange, Prairies Economic Development Canada, City of Thompson, Northern Manitoba Sector Council, Community Economic Development Fund, the Province of Manitoba, and UCN.

“The opening of the Fab Lab in Thompson is a shining example of how collaborating can bring about change,” said Joelle Foster, CEO of North Forge Technology Exchange. “Working with UCN is advancing the entrepreneurial landscape in the North. North Forge is looking forward to rolling out more initiatives with UCN in the years to come.”

University College of the North provides learning opportunities to northern communities while respecting diverse Indigenous and northern values.

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CONTACT: Monte Koshel
UCN Director of Marketing, Communications & Recruitment
communications@ucn.ca | 204.627.8244