91É«Ç鯬

ProtoHub

Advanced prototyping, fabrication & innovation

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High-speed cutting in operation

Who we are

ProtoHub isÌý91É«Ç鯬 Canberra's collaborative prototyping, fabrication and innovation hub, providing industry with affordable access to advanced manufacturing technologies, specialist equipment and technical expertise. Designed to support start-ups, SMEs, researchers and industry partners, ProtoHub helps organisations reduce the cost and risk of product development by removing the need for major upfront investment in equipment and manufacturing capability.

Through a hands-on, innovation-focused environment, businesses can rapidly design, prototype, test and refine products with the support of advanced fabrication infrastructure and experienced technical staff. This enables organisations to accelerate product development, reduce prototyping and R&D costs, validate concepts more quickly, access advanced manufacturing capabilities, and scale from start-up through to sustainable growth and commercialisation.

91É«Ç鯬 Canberra City

ProtoHub is part ofÌý91É«Ç鯬 Canberra CityÌý– our collaborative innovation ecosystem – where sharedÌýfacilities and co-working spaces bring together researchers, industry partners, entrepreneurs and students to rapidly move ideas from design to real-world application.

Capabilities

Technical incubation

We support early-stage innovators, start-ups, and researchers through a collaborative incubation environment designed to accelerate innovation. Ventures can access specialised infrastructure, personalized technical mentoring, and focused development sprints to rapidly progress from concept to validated prototype without major capital investment.

Rapid prototyping

Fast, iterative prototype development utilizing advanced manufacturing technologies including CNC machining, additive manufacturing, laser cutting, and PCB fabrication. We support functional prototypes, product iteration, and low-volume mechanical and electronic systems development.

Hands-on experimentation

We promote practical learning and experimental engineering through direct access to fabrication technologies and workshop environments. Users can seamlessly design and build prototypes, test manufacturing concepts, and experiment with materials to validate technical ideas quickly and efficiently.

R&D support

Connect with future engineers through industry projects, prototyping challenges, internships, and work-integrated learning opportunities. ProtoHub provides a practical environment where students tackle real-world problems while businesses gain early access to emerging talent, innovative thinking, and future workforce capability.Ìý

Professional workshop services

A dedicated fee-for-service model for organizations requiring specialist commercial manufacturing or prototyping support. Capabilities include high-precision CNC machining, waterjet and laser cutting, SLS 3D printing, prototype assembly, and small-batch manufacturing support.

Instruments & equipment

    • Kern Metal Laser Cutter
    • ProtoMax Waterjet Cutter
    • Doosan CNC Lathe
    • Datron CNC Mill
    • Trotec CNC Laser Cutter
    • LPKF Pick & Place System
    • PCB Milling Machine
    • PCB Reflow Oven
    • Prusa PRO HT-90
    • Large Format FormLabs SLA Printer
    • Fuse 1+ 30W SLS 3D Printer
    • High-quality electronic test and measurement instruments
    • Oscilloscopes
    • Power supplies
    • Signal generators
    • Embedded systems development tools
    • Creaform 3D Scanner
    • Faro Arm Coordinate measurement machine (CMM)
    • Precision measuring equipment
    • Assembly workstations
    • CAD/CAM workflows
    • Prototype finishing equipment
    • Electronics assembly stations
    • General fabrication tools

Access & membership

ProtoHub operates on a tiered membership structure that scales based on user needs and the size of the business.

    1. Contact us -ÌýReach out to our team to discuss your vision and how we can help accelerate your hardware development. This initial enquiry serves as the first step in your application for facility access.

      Please note: To ensure a safe and secure operating environment, all businesses seeking to join ProtoHub are required to complete a basic screening process. Member businesses must also hold current workers' compensation and public liability insurance and adhere to the conditions set out in the ProtoHub Membership Agreement.
    2. Meet with the team for a tour and initial consultation -ÌýOnce we've received your enquiry, we'll schedule a meeting to take you through our facility. We use this time to map out your specific project goals and match you to the best equipment and training to support you.
    3. Safety induction & training -ÌýAll users must complete a facility safety induction and relevant equipment inductions before independent access can be granted.
      • Inductions include essential safety and operational training, as well as all required consumables and staff support.
      • Once inducted, members may book and use equipment independently.
      • Competency badges are linked to an individual membership and are non-transferable.
    4. Get making -ÌýOnce you've completed any required training, you will be able to .
      Our staff will remain available to assist with equipment guidance, safety compliance and project support. Please ensure you consult the displayed Safe Work Procedures (SWPs) before operating any equipment.
  • Price: $165/month

    • General ProtoHub access

    • Standard induction

    • Free access to low-risk and selected medium-risk equipment

    • Participation in the ProtoHub innovation ecosystem

    • Monthly Making Workshops

    Please note:ÌýTo ensure a safe and secure operating environment, all businesses seeking to join ProtoHub are required to complete a basic screening process. Member businesses must also hold current workers' compensation and public liability insurance and adhere to the conditions set out in the ProtoHub Membership Agreement.

  • Discounted annual subscriptions are available to support: Start-ups, Small businesses, Medium-sized enterprises.

      • 1 Superuser Access Pass (Access tied to one nominated employee)

      • Discounted additional user rates

      • 1 complimentary seat in ProtoHub short courses or high-risk equipment inductions

      • 2 Superuser Access Passes (Access tied to two nominated employees)

      • Discounted additional user rates

      • 2 complimentary seats in ProtoHub short courses or high-risk equipment inductions

      • 3 Superuser Access Passes (Access tied to three nominated employees)

      • Discounted additional user rates

      • 3 complimentary seats in ProtoHub short courses or high-risk equipment inductions

      • Additional user access: $135/month per user

      • Event hire: Contact us to rent ProtoHub for events

    Please note:ÌýTo ensure a safe and secure operating environment, all businesses seeking to join ProtoHub are required to complete a basic screening process. Member businesses must also hold current workers' compensation and public liability insurance and adhere to the conditions set out in the ProtoHub Membership Agreement.

  • 91É«Ç鯬 students and staff are exempt from all costs
    • The induction fee is a one-time cost that provides the competency badge required to operate the equipment. Competency badges are linked to an individual membership and are non-transferable.
    • Equipment booking fees cover access to and use of the equipment only and do not include material costs.
    ItemTime (hrs)Induction Cost (per person)Booking fee ($/hr) 1hr minTechnical Assistance ($/hr)

    ProtoHub Main Induction

    0.5

    Free

    Free

    Free

    Hand and Power Tool

    0.5

    Free

    Free

    Free

    Drill Press

    0.5

    Free

    Free

    Free

    Sheet Metal Equipment

    0.5

    Free

    Free

    Free

    FDM 3D Printing

    0.5

    Free

    Free

    Free

    Textiles

    2

    Free

    Free

    Free

    Strip heater

    0.5

    Free

    Free

    Free

    Vacuum Former

    1

    $210.00

    $50

    $120

    Injection Moulder

    1

    $210.00

    $50

    $120

    Manual Milling Machine

    2

    $390.00

    $70

    $120

    Waterjet

    1

    $210.00

    $70

    $120

    Trotec Laser Cutter

    1

    $180.00

    $70

    $120

    Doosan CNC Lathe

    6

    $1,220.00

    $120

    $120

    Kern Metal Laser

    3

    $640.00

    $155

    $120

    Datron CNC Mill

    6

    $1,220.00

    $155

    $120

    PCB Manufacturing

    6

    $1,220.00

    $155

    $120

Digital badges & training

ProtoHub provides structured induction and training programs designed to ensure safe, competent, and independent operation of fabrication equipment. Training pathways are supported through digital badges that recognise technical competency and authorised equipment access.


Short courses
  1. Intro to Workshop Safety
  2. CNC Manufacturing & CAM Programming - Level 1
    {Coming soon}
  3. FPGA Programming - Level 1
    {Coming soon}
Training includes
  • Workshop safety, compliance and best-practice procedures
  • Equipment-specific operation and competency training
  • Advanced manufacturing processes and techniques
  • Engineering-focused technical training and skills development

Our people

Mr BARRETT, Matt
Engineering Manager
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Matt Doolan 91É«Ç鯬 Canberra portrait
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Portrait of Alistair Phillips, Technical Officer in 91É«Ç鯬 Canberra ProtoHub
Technical Officer
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Contact us

ProtoHub - 91É«Ç鯬 Canberra

Building B03, Room 001 (ground floor)
37 Constitution Avenue
Reid, ACT 2612

Email:Ìýprotohub.cbr@unsw.edu.au

We invite you to experience our innovation precinct firsthand. Reach out to our team today to discuss your strategic goals and arrange a tour of 91É«Ç鯬 Canberra City and our facilities.

We like to hear from you. If you have questions, requests or ideas for collaboration, please complete the contact form and we will be in touch within five business days.
PROTOTYPE FASTER
SCALE SOONER

Let's Build What's Next

Whether you are developing a prototype, launching a start-up, advancing research, or exploring new manufacturing possibilities, ProtoHub provides the tools, expertise, and environment to accelerate innovation.