The first morning of FAB26 sets the stage for an inspiring week as we celebrate 25 years of the Fab Lab Network and begin imagining the next 25.

Official inauguration led by Neil Gershenfeld, Sherry Lassiter, Sally Kornbluth, Eric Paley, and Jean-Luc Pierite, followed by the FAB28 pitches, a unique musical performance, and a series of thought-provoking keynotes exploring the origins, evolution, and future of digital fabrication. Topics include the legacy of CBA, Designing Reality, engineering as art, the Science & Entertainment Exchange, the Interspecies Internet, informal engineering, and Neil Gershenfeld's closing keynote, "Making Almost Anything."

It begins with a series of Fab Blasts exploring how digital fabrication is transforming creativity, from turning AI-generated data into bronze sculptures and rethinking Fab Lab waste to robotics that enhance traditional craftsmanship. The program then moves into inspiring keynote sessions on the Future of Robotics, Future of 3D Printing, Future of AI, and Future of Life, bringing together leading innovators to discuss how emerging technologies are reshaping manufacturing, collaboration, education, and the way we create.

Focused on the tools, ideas, and breakthroughs that will define the next generation of digital fabrication.

Inspiring Fab Blasts on engaging more girls in STEM, lifelong learning through digital design, and the integration of AI into project-based learning. The program continues with panels celebrating Seymour Papert's constructionist legacy, exploring the future of education, and discussing how to expand and scale Fab education worldwide. The morning also includes the keynote "Investing in our Future Innovators," highlighting the role of industry partnerships in empowering the next generation of makers and innovators.

Focused on empowering learners, educators, and communities to shape the future through hands-on, collaborative, and accessible education.

Academany Graduation

One of the most inspiring moments of FAB26 is here!

Join us as we celebrate the achievements of this year's graduates from the Fab Academy, Bio Academy, Fabricademy, and all Academany programs. Together, we'll recognize the creativity, dedication, and innovation of a new generation of makers, researchers, and educators from around the world.

Opened with "The Freedom to Make: Fab City, Rewired," introducing a vision for locally productive and globally connected cities. This is followed by the Fab City Awards Roundtable, showcasing inspiring initiatives from across the network. After the break, the program continues with keynote sessions and discussions focused on sustainability, humanitarian innovation, climate resilience, circular economies, and the role of Fab Labs in addressing global challenges.

Together, these sessions highlight how makers, communities, and organizations can create meaningful impact through collaboration and digital fabrication.

The final day of FAB26 is all about looking ahead, exploring how to grow, collaborate, and create lasting impact over the next 25 years.

Features talks on makerspace education, sustaining and scaling Fab Labs, and lessons learned from building a Super Fab Lab. The program continues with highlights from the latest Fab research, followed by keynote sessions on Systems & Scaling and entrepreneurship. The morning concludes with the FAB27 handoff, the FAB28 host announcement, and the Closing Ceremony, celebrating another remarkable edition of the global Fab Lab Conference.