NextFab
| Company type | Limited liability company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Makerspaces, Education, Manufacturing, Prototyping |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Founder | Evan Malone |
| Headquarters | Philadelphia , United States |
Area served | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Wilmington, Delaware |
| Products | Makerspace access, Educational programs, Hardware accelerator (RAPID) |
NextFab Studio, a limited liability company commonly known as NextFab, operates a network of membership-based makerspaces with three sites located in Philadelphia and Wilmington, Delaware. Established in 2009 by entrepreneur Evan Malone, the first facility was launched within the University City Science Center in West Philadelphia.
NextFab specializes in offering educational programs and access to manufacturing and prototyping tools that resonate with the maker movement and do-it-yourself principles. After TechShop declared bankruptcy and shut down all its U.S. locations in 2017, NextFab became the largest for-profit makerspace chain across the country.
Origins
Evan D. Malone, son of businessman John C. Malone, founded NextFab. He earned a physics degree from the University of Pennsylvania and completed a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at Cornell University. While at Cornell, Malone co-created Fab@Home, an innovative multi-material 3D printer recognized for advancing consumer 3D printing technology. He also contributed to MIT’s Fab Lab initiative, which distributes digital fabrication resources worldwide.
The company’s first site, a 4,400-square-foot workspace, opened in 2010 at 3711 Market Street within the University City Science Center incubator. This $400,000 undertaking was funded by Malone’s family trust.
Growth
In 2013, after operating four years in University City, NextFab relocated to a larger 21,000-square-foot facility on Washington Avenue in South Philadelphia, backed by a $5 million investment from Malone’s family trust.
A second location spanning 4,000 square feet was inaugurated in December 2014 at 1227 N. 4th Street in Philadelphia’s South Kensington district.
NextFab further extended its reach by launching a Wilmington, Delaware site in June 2017 within the city’s creative district. Supported by the Wilmington Renaissance Corporation and receiving a $350,000 grant from the Delaware Economic Development Office, this project was first announced in late 2015 and completed following some delays. The Wilmington space is situated at 503 N. Tatnall Street.
In July 2018, NextFab revealed intentions to close the South Kensington branch and move approximately half a mile north to a substantially larger 60,000-square-foot warehouse at 1800 N. American Street. The company planned to occupy about 21,000 square feet while leasing out the remaining area to subtenants such as local reuse nonprofit The Resource Exchange. This expanded venue was slated to open by late 2019.
Educational Offerings
NextFab provides training across various disciplines including:
- Photography and 2D printing
- Scanning and 3D printing
- Software design tools
- Electronics
- Jewelry making
- Laser engraving and cutting
- Metal fabrication
- Textile arts
- Woodworking
Hardware Accelerator
NextFab's RAPID accelerator is designed to assist startups creating tangible hardware products. Established in 2017, this 12-week initiative hosts two groups each year, typically comprising around four startups per cohort. It offers financial support along with business development resources to help expedite their expansion.
Prominent Companies
Several startups have leveraged NextFab's resources, including Augean Robotics (AGR), which focuses on agricultural robotics; Biomeme, a pioneer in biotechnology; Strados Labs, dedicated to respiratory health technologies; Tozuda, specializing in concussion detection solutions; and Unruly Studios, creators of educational coding tools. These examples highlight NextFab's significant role in advancing hardware innovation and fostering growth within its core industries.