About
Explore everything about FAB26 Boston - our history, themes, locations, venues, and activities. Find out if this is the conference for you for uncoming editions!
Scroll through and discover all about FAB26 Boston!
What was FAB26?
FAB26 was the 22nd edition of the annual International Fab Lab Conference, bringing together Fab Lab members, makers, engineers, artists, academics, industry experts, and educators from around the world to explore how digital fabrication could shape our future. Through talks, hands-on workshops, and creative demonstrations, participants shared ideas, explored new technologies, and developed connections around innovation and community impact.
Who is FAB26 Boston for?
FAB26 was for anyone passionate about making, innovation, and technology. The event welcomed:
- Lab Manager
- Educator
- Student
- Startup Founder
- Designer, Engineer, or Researcher
- DIY enthusiast
Why Attend?
- Explore next‑generation technologies
- Co‑create sustainable futures
- Re-imagine education for the 21st Century
- Celebrate 25 years & build the next 25
Reimagine the Future
The Fab Lab Network proved itself to be a resilient ecosystem. Over time and across continents and cultures, it grew organically, continually evolving and adapting. The foundations established 25 years ago became the pillars for the future.
As FAB26 celebrated this milestone, it was an opportunity to reimagine the next 25 years. By evaluating the past and reflecting on the present, the community gained the perspective needed to envision what could come next.
Let's Do This Together
- Foster the next generation of Fab Labs worldwide
- Tackle the big questions of tomorrow
- Empower our community to shape what comes next through impact-at-scale
LOCATION
FAB26 took place in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a historic and innovative city in the heart of New England. As part of the Greater Boston Area, the region offered a unique combination of history, world-renowned institutions such as MIT and Harvard, cutting-edge research, technology, and culture. Participants also had the opportunity to experience the surrounding New England region, known for its coastal towns, summer landscapes, arts, science, and maritime heritage.
ORGANIZERS
THE FAB FOUNDATION
The Fab Foundation was established as a nonprofit in 2009, emerging from MIT’s Center for Bits & Atoms. It supports a global network of approximately 3,000 Fab Labs in over 160 countries, promoting access to digital fabrication tools, knowledge, and education. Through initiatives like the Academany and community-based projects, the Fab Foundation empowers individuals and communities worldwide, fostering innovation, collaboration, and economic opportunity.
THE CENTER FOR BITS AND ATOMS (CBA)
The Center for Bits and Atoms at MIT pioneers innovation in digital fabrication, machine design, and sustainable materials. As the birthplace of the Fab Lab concept, it bridges digital and physical domains through groundbreaking research. The work of CBA is transforming education and supporting sustainability, providing global communities with tools and knowledge that drive problem-solving, innovation, and the future of making.
