Welcome to the SOVA Fab Lab
Opening October 2026 at the SOVA Innovation Hub
The SOVA Fab Lab is community makerspace coming to the SOVA Innovation Hub campus in South Boston, Virginia. Anticipated to open in October 2026, the SOVA Fab Lab will provide access to gitial fabrication tools, hands-on training, and collaborative space to invent, prototype, learn, and create. The SOVA Fab Lab is for entrepreneurs, businesses, students, and community members in Halifax County and surrounding areas.
What is a Fab Lab?
A Fab Lab, short for Fabrication Laboratory, is a local makerspace connected to a global network of Fab Labs. Fab Labs give people access to tools, technology, and training to design, prototype, and make almost anything.
At the SOVA Fab Lab, entrepreneurs, students, makers, educators, manufacturers, and curious community members will have a place to turn ideas into real things.
Invent
Explore ideas, test concepts, and invent solutions for real-world problems.
Protoype
Use digital fabrication tools to build models, parts, products, and projects.
Learn
Build skills through workshops, mentors, and hands-on practice.
Equipment and Capabilities
The SOVA Fab Lab will provide access to digital fabrication tools, hands-on technology, and collaborative workspace for prototyping, learning, and creative problem-solving.
Laser Cutting & Engraving
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- Fusion PRO36 80W CO2 Laser Cutter
- Integrated camera system
- Air assist system
- Laser ventilation system
3D Printing
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- Prusa CORE One 3D Printers
- Carbon Combo Printers
- PLA & PETG filament systems
- Multi-color and multi-material printing
CNC Milling & Fabrication
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- CNC Milling Machine
- ShopBot PRS5 Alpha CNC Router
- Precision CNC tooling systems
Textiles
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- Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine
- Computerized Embroidery Machine
Fabrication& Prototyping
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- Hammer Drill and Impact Driver
- Floor Drill Press
- Vinyl Cutter
- Heat Press Machine
- Hand Tools (wrenches, hammers, etc.)
- Vacuum chamber for molding and casting
Design & Computing
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- CAD Workstations
- Laptops
- CAD and machine control computing systems
Shop Infrastructure & Safety
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- Air filtration systems
- Dust collection systems
- Air compressor system
- Fire blanket
- Ventilation equipment
The equipment and capabilities listed above represent a partial and preliminary overview of planned tools and technology for the SOVA Fab Lab. Final equipment selections, additions, and programming may continue to evolve throughout the development process based on funding, partnerships, operational planning, and community and member feedback.
Road to Opening
The SOVA Fab Lab is scheduled to open in October 2026, and we’re actively building the team, partnerships, and community that will help bring it to life.
SOVA Fab Lab Manager
Applications are open for a full-time Fab Lab Manager who will lead operations, programming, training, and community engagement for the SOVA Fab Lab.
We’re looking for someone excited about innovation, digital fabrication, entrepreneurship, and hands-on learning.
Volunteer Mentors
We’re building a network of volunteer SOVA Fab Lab Mentors who want to help others learn, prototype, create, and explore new ideas.
Whether you’re an industry professional, educator, maker, hobbyist, or simply excited about hands-on innovation and community learning, we’d love to hear from you.
Founding Members & Partners
We’re looking for founding members, sponsors, education partners, and community supporters who want to help shape the future of innovation in Southern Virginia.
Opportunities may include memberships, sponsorships, collaborative programming
The Fab Lab Charter
Fab Labs are part of a global network of community-based digital fabrication spaces that support learning, innovation, collaboration, and invention through shared access to tools, technology, and knowledge.
The SOVA Fab Lab is being developed with these principles in mind as a welcoming space for creativity, experimentation, entrepreneurship, and hands-on learning in Southern Virginia.
What is a Fab Lab?
Fab Labs are community-centered spaces that provide access to digital fabrication tools, technology, and collaborative learning opportunities.
Fab Labs help people move ideas from concept to prototype while encouraging experimentation, creativity, technical skill development, and problem-solving.
Who can use the SOVA Fab Lab?
The SOVA Fab Lab is intended to serve a wide range of community members, including:
- Entrepreneurs and small businesses
- Students and educators
- Makers and hobbyists
- Workforce learners
- Nonprofits and community organizations
- Individuals interested in learning new skills and technologies
Some equipment, programs, and access levels may require orientation, training, supervision, or membership.
Learn by Making
Fab Labs encourage hands-on, project-based learning through experimentation, collaboration, and shared knowledge.
People learn by designing, building, testing, and improving ideas in a supportive community environment.
Shared Responsibility
Fab Lab users help create a safe, respectful, and collaborative environment by:
- Respecting people and equipment
- Following safety procedures and training requirements
- Supporting responsible use of tools and technology
- Sharing knowledge and encouraging others
- Helping maintain a welcoming community culture
Connected to a Global Network
Fab Labs are part of an international network of fabrication labs that share ideas, learning, innovation, and collaboration across communities around the world.
The SOVA Fab Lab is being developed to support both local community impact and broader participation in the global maker and innovation ecosystem.
The SOVA Fab Lab is anticipated to open in October 2026. Programs, equipment, memberships, and access policies may continue to evolve during the development and launch process.