Sneak Peek: New Innovation Lab Opening Soon in Everett
“For innovation to flourish, it needs creativity, passion and room to move. All of these are alive and thriving in Everett.”
From planes to Pop!s Everett is no stranger to innovation. But what if you're not a multi-million dollar company already? Where do you start developing your product, business or app for it to be successful?
Say hello to TheLab@everett. A space specifically built for innovation to thrive and bring ideas to life.
Currently under construction, I recently toured the space to get a sneak peek. TheLab is located at 1001 Broadway (right across the parking lot from the new WSU Everett building, as shown in the reflection of TheLab's windows above).
Although TheLab is in Everett's college district and has already started holding events in WSU Everett's space, TheLab is not for students, persay. It's for all innovators looking to develop their ideas.
Above photo: a section of what will be the co-working space. Below photos: The Design Thinking Space/Workshop and the Garden Commons. The entire space is currently being remodeled.
With over 5,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed space, TheLab@everett will cater to nearly any early stage of an idea. Here are six different resources that will be available at TheLab@everett:
- Start off in the Co-workingspace to get things going and learn the latest. Maybe raise some money for your idea.
- Then move over to one of the eight private uncubation roomswhere you can start to grow your small team.
- Utlize the design thinking space; furnished with all the materials you'll need to develop your idea, start molding your prototype and design smart solutions for moving your innovation forward.
- Enjoy the "Garden Commons,"a space to network and collaborate with other members of TheLab.
- Then you can head down the hall to the makers space- where you'll be able to use 3D printers, laser cutters and other equipment and support from SnoCoMakers@The Lab.
- The NWIRC Servicescan assist you the whole way through, from idea to success with individual strategy development (more on the NWIRC below).
A rendering of TheLab@everett
TheLab is being developed by the NW Innovation Resource Center(NWIRC), "a non-profit that provides assistance to entrepreneurs throughout Northwest Washington."
In addition to the shared Co-working space, this room will have five private desks available.
The NWIRC is currently headquartered in Bellingham, but has already established close ties with the Everett community — mentoring start-ups such as Narrative Coffee.
TheLab@everett's advisory council consists of familiar local names, such as Chris Adams (Adams & Duncan Law) and Lanie McMullin (The City of Everett's previous Economic Development Director).
Touring the space with Diane Kamionka, Interim Executive Director of the NWIRC, I could tell how excited she is to see innovation develop at TheLab. As we discussed TheLab being a launchpad for ideas, Diane stated, "People should outgrow this space — its purpose is to help them progress and thrive."
Diane Kamionka, Interim Executive Director of the non-profit NW Innovation Resource Center, which is creating TheLab.
The opening date and prices for membership have not been announced yet, but construction is in full swing. It sounds likely that doors will open in either late 2018 or early 2019.
You can learn more about TheLab@everett on their website here or follow them on Facebook and Twitter: @nwinnovationlab.
Garret is a nerd for all things entreprenurial and is the Co-founder + CEO of Live in Everett. He also can never remember how to spell the word entreprenurial.