Tech Valley Center of Gravity

We have upcoming group classes as well as new private classes! May 31: Fiber Arts 101: Basic Tote Bag with Sarah Collen of @troysewshop In this beginner-friendly class, students will be introduced to the basic sewing techniques including pattern cutting, using a sewing machine and basic seam. You'll walk away with your very own tote bag! This class is also available as a private class! June 6: Glass Arts 101: Fused Glass Jewelry Create up to three fused glass pieces of your own design! This introductory class will walk students through the steps of creating fused glass pieces, including glass selection, glass cutting and kiln use. New Private Class: Glass Arts 102: Enameled Jewelry Our popular beginner-level Enameled Jewelry classes, hosted by Kari Wood of KWood Enamels, is back! This 2 hr, beginner-level class will cover how to choose enamels and metals, prepare the metal, sift enamel and fire. At the end of class, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind enameled piece to take home. Register for the group classes at /group-classes Register for the private class at /private-classes

We're partnering with Sarah Collen of @troysewshop to bring you intro sewing classes! Sarah will be offering a beginner-level "Fiber Arts 101: Basic Tote Bag" on May 31st, from 1-3pm. In this class, students will be introduced to the basic sewing techniques including pattern cutting, using a sewing machine and basic seam. You'll then walk away with your very own tote bag! This class is also offered privately, by appointment! Register for the May 31st class at /group-classes Register for the private class at /private-classes

We're excited to announce that our popular Digital Fabrication for Artists residency program is back for a third year! This program provides local, underserved artists with education on digital fabrication tools, tool access, materials stipend, final showcase - for free. Applications open in June. This isn’t our only residency this year! More about our new entrepreneurship residency will be announced soon! Thank you to the Howard and Bush Foundation for sponsoring this track of our residency programs.

Staying in Troy over the summer? Volunteer 48 hours and get 3 months of makerspace access to work on your own projects. This micro internship is a great way to enhance your resume or portfolio with hands-on experience! Open to any student (18+) working toward a degree or certification in engineering, IT, fabrication trade, or nonprofit development. Example projects: Machine Shop Support: Ideal for those interested in mechanical installations and machine shops. Fob System Update: Ideal for those interested in hardware/software applications. Weekend Greeter: Ideal for those who enjoy connecting with people. Propose your own idea to support the maker community!

RPI community, you’re invited to explore, and connect at TVCOG RPI Night! 🎉🔧✨ Join us April 28, 6–8 PM for an open house, alumni connections, and a look inside Troy’s makerspace 🏗️ Enjoy free pizza 🍕 and great company, RSVP via the link in bio! 🔗 #LallyMeansBusiness #RPI #Community #Alumni

Registration for our Practical Prototyping event closes tomorrow! This Thursday, enjoy dinner while learning about the prototyping process. We’ll cover: • The typical lifecycle of a new hardware product business • Examples of prototyping for customer discovery • What tools & resources modern hardware engineers are using • Some real-life examples of how doing early market research with basic prototypes changed the course of a product with Troy Fischer of @fishcoinnov , who has developed mechanical and optical innovations in toy design for Hasbro, Fisher-Price, Spin Master, and Jakks Pacific Register at /community-events Tech Valley Center of Gravity is a certified NYS Incubator and affiliated @innovate518 Hotspot partner supported by the Empire State Development Division of Science, Technology, and Innovation (NYSTAR).

Mayor Mantello had a great visit this afternoon at the @techvalleycog , getting an up-close look at the incredible work happening right here in Troy. From helping makers fine tune their craft, to supporting small business growth and providing a collaborative, comfortable workspace - this facility is opening doors and creating real opportunity. The innovation and talent on display are truly helping shape the future of craftsmanship in our city🧶👨‍🏭⚙️ Thank you to everyone at the Center for the warm welcome and for taking the time to show us around!

Our Practical Prototyping event is this upcoming Thursday, April 23rd! Join us for dinner as experts give you insight into the prototyping process. If you… • Have an idea for a new product, but aren’t sure how to turn it into a business. • Developed new tech in a lab or at work, and see an opportunity for commercialization • Sell unique products as a hobby, and want to improve your product and grow sales • Just want to learn the basics of starting a product-based business This program is for you! Register at /community-events Tech Valley Center of Gravity is a certified NYS Incubator and affiliated @innovate518 Hotspot partner supported by the Empire State Development Division of Science, Technology, and Innovation (NYSTAR).

On April 28th, TVCOG will be hosting our special RPI Night, sponsored by the @rpilally . If you're staying local for summer break or after graduation, the COG is a great place to connect with others interested in making things! This open house will allow you to take a self-guided tour of your local makerspace, hardware incubator, and STEAM education center. Then stick around to talk to local @rpiofficial alums and enjoy free pizza. Registration not required, but appreciated: /community-events Located just a short walk from the Blitman shuttle stop. Not an RPI student? All college students are welcome!

Hear real life examples of the prototyping process from Troy Fischer of @fishcoinnov at our Practical Prototyping event on April 23rd! If you've ever bought toys, there's a good chance you've come across one of Fischer's inventions. Among his many accomplishments is his LED projection technology. This has brought to life the whimsical faces of Disney's Cars and the Tron action figures at the Disney World theme park experience, which allows your own face on the figure. A lifelong tinkerer with 25 years of toy invention experience, he's passionate about helping others through their prototyping roadblocks through his work as a member and mentor at TVCOG. Register at /community-events Tech Valley Center of Gravity is a certified NYS Incubator and affiliated @innovate518 Hotspot partner supported by the Empire State Development Division of Science, Technology, and Innovation (NYSTAR).

Have an idea for a new product, but aren’t sure how to turn it into a business? Developed new tech through research and see an opportunity for commercialization? Want to learn the basics of starting a product-based business? Join us for dinner and get expert insight into the prototyping process! On April 23rd, we’ll cover everything from prototyping for customer discovery to what tools and resources modern hardware engineers are using. Then hear real life examples from Troy Fischer of @fishcoinnov , who has developed mechanical and optical innovations in toy design for Hasbro, Fisher-Price, Spin Master, and Jakks Pacific. Register at /community-events

@rpiofficial students! Tech Valley Center of Gravity is the Capital Region's premiere makerspace, hardware incubator, and STEAM education center. Stop by for our special Open House on April 28th, sponsored by the @rpilally . You will be able to take a self-guided tour of our 14,000 square foot fabrication facility, talk with local RPI alums, and enjoy free pizza! Registration not required, but appreciated: /community-events Located just a short walk from the Blitman shuttle stop. Not an RPI student? All college students are welcome!