MindGear Labs
Operates a Fab Lab/rapid prototyping facility offering 3D printing services, classes in digital fabrication and CAD for education and local businesses, reducing prototyping costs and lead times for small production runs.
- CEO / Founder
- Rob Adams
- Team Size
- 1-10
- Stage
- Active
- Total Funding
- Undisclosed
- Latest Round
- Grant
- Key Investors
- SBA
Technology & Products
Key Products
3D printing services; CNC machining; Digital fabrication classes; CAD training; Rapid prototyping for businesses
Technological Advantage
Community-based network effect as a local hub for fabrication; low-cost access to equipment reduces barriers for startups and educators.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Provides access to advanced fabrication equipment (CNC, 3D printers) and expert guidance, enabling cost-effective prototyping and STEM education without capital investment in machinery.
How They Differentiate
Focus on integrated STEM education with prototyping services, unlike pure commercial shops or educational-only labs; offers classes for all ages alongside business support.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Homeschoolers (ages 7-13), high school students, adult entrepreneurs, local businesses needing prototyping
Industry Verticals
Education; Professional Services; Local Manufacturing
Competitors
Local makerspaces in Huntsville/Madison area; Other Fab Labs in Alabama
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
MindGear Labs won a $50K SBA grant in 2014 to assist advanced manufacturing companies, and it closed its Madison location in 2015 to refocus on education initiatives.
Major Milestones
Founded in 2012; Merged with Huntsville STEAM Works in 2017