The Berks LaunchBox strives to offer our coworkers and makerspace members a creative atmosphere to help generate ideas and build their companies. And guess what…you can feel it! Our coworking companies are sustainable, technology-based and socially responsible organizations. They’ve helped each other perfect their products, while providing support and a sounding board to share ideas. Our space is purposefully open, innovative and surrounded by creativity.

Patrick Deviney, a volunteer with the LaunchBox this summer, helped staff become more familiar with our new Laser Cutter. The Laser Cutter has many exciting functions and we offered our first, four hour certification classes in early August. Patrick is a Product Design major at Drexel University. Patrick states, “I love working at the LaunchBox and I think that the technologies offered there are a great prototyping resource for entrepreneurs.” Patrick is a graduate of Berks Catholic and also a lifeguard at Schlegel Park Pool.

Andrew O’Donohue of Solid Dynamics, an established coworking company, spent many days this summer building and testing an improved 3D printer. But Andrew did much more! When plastic recycling coworking company, Trimatis, had equipment challenges, Andrew shared his ideas and best practices. When the Makerspace 3D printers were jamming, Andrew pitched in and worked through the problem with the LaunchBox staff. Andrew is a Mechanical Engineering major at Widener University. He and a classmate earned 1st place in Pennsylvania and 5th place in the nation at the Skills USA Mechatronics Competition that took place in Louisville, KY in June 2019! This power team also won first place in both the state and national competitions last year!

Patrick Deviney (kneeling) and Andrew O’Donohue (standing) working with 3D printer.

Patrick Deviney working with Laser Cutter.