UCA makerspace set to open Sept. 5

The University of Central Arkansas will launch the UCA Makerspace Powered by the Conductor at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5. It is located in Suite 130 in The Shoppes at Donaghey Hall, on campus at 250 Donaghey Ave.

The space will offer weekly “maker training” workshops, in addition to employing “maker ambassadors” who will help individuals with a wide range of projects — “from a science fair project to a micromanufacturing job,” according to a UCA press release.

UCA Makerspace’s “master maker” Jason Huselton also will help inventors bring to life ideas to through prototyping and design processes.

Registration for UCA Makerspace classes and events will be open on Sept. 5. All of the classes and events are free and open to the public.

“The UCA Makerspace Powered by the Conductor is a place for students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community to make, design and dream,” a UCA statement noted.

The Conductor is a public-private initiative operated by the Central Arkansas Venture Team, sponsored by the UCA and supported by Startup Junkie Consulting of Fayetteville, according to UCA.

Jeff Standridge, a retired Acxiom executive, leads CAVT, a group of executive consultants, coaches, area leaders and experts.

Startup Junkie provides programs and one-to-one mentoring throughout Northwest Arkansas.

The Conductor offers one-to-one consulting, mentoring, counseling, training, capital readiness and technical assistance to startups, small businesses and emerging investors, according to its website.

Standridge also leads The Conductor.