The Pod

Invent & Innovate

Providing educational opportunities and professional development for students

HOW IT WORKS

FIND

Find an Idea

If you already have a project or passion you want to pursue, let us know about by email to or simply apply.

If you don't have an idea, but want to do something, we have a list of projects you can consider.

Don't be afraid of a Big Idea. You can start in any year and work on it in the Pod for as long as you are a student.

JOIN

Join the Pod

After your application has been received and reviewed, we'll arrange for you to give us a very short, no props presentation.

Your successful presentation gets you free access to all the Pod offers:

creative space
mentors
training sessions
collaboration with other students
more...

MAKE

Make it Happen

Work on your idea at your own pace in the Pod space.

Interact with other members in the Pod and on campus.

Meet with mentors online, on campus, or however works best for you.

The Faculty of Engineering has announced that with no exceptions all labs, classrooms, and facilities are to be closed starting 1600 tomorrow, March 18, Wednesday.

Those of you who wish to retrieve your club’s or personal items from the Pod Lab should do so ASAP.

Please be sure to follow all the practices now expected to keep yourself and others safe.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Steven.

Please see the calendar below for the Pod's status and information on how we are dealing with COVID-19. Click this text to be taken to the U of A COVID-19 information page.

Apply Now

Review the application process

Complete the online application

Receive an invitation to present your idea

Meet the Pod

OUR STORY

We are Alumni and Faculty who are passionate about mentoring students and new graduates to set them up for success.

OUR VISION

We provide educational and professional development opportunities for students outside of their normal course of study. We aim to foster rich opportunities in the spirit of entrepreneurial initiatives through testing, prototyping, mentorship, workshops, partnerships, and access to equipment for testing, evaluating, and realizing design concepts.

TECHNOLOGY

The Pod has space and tools for making. There is a 3D printer, as well as electronics development and testing tools, basic hand tools, milling machines, and more. We plan to add more capabilities based on available feedback and opportunities.

We use online tools to augment meetings with all of our mentors.

Additionally, Pod members have access to two bonus "maker spaces" located on campus close to the main Pod space.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

"Having someone to bounce ideas off of who has real-world experience and can provide reliable, trustworthy answers/suggestions is truly invaluable!"

— Fred, Student Pod Member