Alvernia University Opens New O'Make Space Makerspace
The student-run facility at Reading's John R. Post Center provides specialized prototyping and manufacturing tools.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Arts & Crafts
Live Poll
Do you believe university-led business incubators provide students with valuable real-world professional experience?
Alvernia University has officially opened the O'Make Space, a new makerspace located at the John R. Post Center in Reading. The student-run facility is designed to support prototyping and small-batch production for local entrepreneurs and students.
Why it matters
The facility was developed in response to a growing demand for technical resources from local businesses and increased engagement from the student body. It serves as an extension of the existing Spark Business Incubator to foster hands-on learning.
The facility features a diverse range of equipment including a laser engraver, heat press, sublimation printer, Cricut cutting machine, and embroidery machine. It includes 2 3D printers available for product design and customization tasks.
The players
Alvernia University
A private Franciscan university based in Reading that oversees the John R. Post Center and the Spark Business Incubator.
O'Pake fellows
Student participants at Alvernia University who operate and manage the daily functions of the new makerspace.
EmpowerEd
A program providing high school interns who assist with the technical operations and service delivery of the makerspace.
The details
Operated by O'Pake fellows and EmpowerEd high school interns, the space offers tools that students themselves advocated for to support their specific design needs. This collaborative environment provides necessary resources for both academic prototyping and small-scale commercial production.
Timeline
October 13, 2026: The university held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the O'Make Space.
Culture Shift
The addition of the O'Make Space to the Spark Business Incubator signals a move toward more integrated, hands-on entrepreneurial ecosystems on college campuses. This shift emphasizes the importance of providing tangible manufacturing assets alongside traditional business mentorship.
Local entrepreneurs and residents can leverage the facility for small-batch product prototyping and customization services. Students gain access to professional-grade tools that can be incorporated into their personal creative or business workflows.
The takeaway
Accessing specialized manufacturing equipment like 3D printers and laser engravers can significantly lower the barrier to entry for local makers. Entrepreneurs should identify specific prototyping needs that these community-accessible tools can address to streamline their production process.
Further reading
Learn more about local creative initiatives in the Arts & Crafts section.
Live Poll
Do you believe university-led business incubators provide students with valuable real-world professional experience?
