ProtoHUB is UNSW Canberra's flagship prototyping facility — where researchers, designers, engineers and students move from idea to physical prototype within hours.
Equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, PCB fabrication tools and more, ProtoHUB bridges digital design and physical hardware. It acts as a catalyst for collaboration across Australia's commercial, research and sovereign capability sectors.
Five core capabilities that define everything ProtoHUB enables for students, researchers and industry.
The bridge between digital design and physical hardware. Create a CAD file in the morning, hold a prototype by afternoon. Our suite of additive, subtractive and formative manufacturing tools collapses the development cycle from weeks to hours, supporting everything from proof-of-concept to near-production validation pieces.
A dedicated physical space within Australia's national security corridor where defence, academia and commercial industry share benches, tools and ideas. ProtoHUB's co-location model means your prototype benefits from interdisciplinary insight — a materials researcher, an electronics engineer and a software developer working side by side.
Beyond access to tools, ProtoHUB provides a culture of experimentation. Staff with deep fabrication expertise guide you through material selection, design-for-manufacture decisions, and iterative testing — removing barriers for first-time makers while enabling experienced engineers to push boundaries.
A structured digital badge program ensures competency on every piece of equipment. Programs are available to UNSW students, external partners and government clients — the Workshop Fundamentals & Safety course has already been delivered in-house for government.
Industry and government partners gain direct access to UNSW's world-class research community alongside ProtoHUB's manufacturing infrastructure. Whether de-risking a joint commercialisation project, optimising a design, or accelerating manufacturing readiness — ProtoHUB is where sovereign capability gets built.
ProtoHUB provides the tools, facilities and expertise to support projects across many disciplines. From initial concepts through to functional prototypes, our community uses the space to explore ideas, solve challenges and create innovative outcomes. Here are just a few examples of what can be achieved.
3D-print precise enclosures for electronics projects, drones, robotics sensors or research instruments.
Design, mill, assemble and reflow custom printed circuit boards.
Cut plastics, timber and metals to exact tolerances for structural frames, panels or intricate designs.
Turn and mill precision metal parts for mechanical assemblies, jigs, fixtures and engineering prototypes.
Design and fabricate custom garments, soft goods, signage and heat-transferred wearables.
3D-scan existing components to capture geometry, then reproduce or improve them with CNC or 3D printing.
Your steps from first contact to active production in the space.
Reach out to discuss your vision and how ProtoHUB can help accelerate your project. This serves as the first step in your facility access application.
Complete the Makerspace Safety Badge, then train on specific machines. Begin production once your badges are earned (some equipment requires booking and/or supervision.)
Our staff remain available for guidance, safety compliance and project support throughout your time in the space. Consult SWPs before every session.
Reach out to our team to discuss your project, arrange a tour, or ask about access for your organisation.
Filter by category or search by name. Click any card to see details, access requirements, and booking options.
Common next steps for ProtoHUB users — book a machine, get a badge, or find support.
Complete safety inductions and machine-specific competency assessments for ProtoHUB.
ProtoHUB BadgesReserve time on ProtoHUB machines after completing the required badges.
Book a machineReach out for equipment guidance, safety compliance, or project support.
Meet the teamProtoHUB is situated in the heart of Canberra's CBD — a modern, accessible space for prototyping, collaboration, and hands-on learning.
Space at this campus:
