Prototyping New Realities: UPC Moonshot

Client: Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya

Bespoke educational program designed for the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) and the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT).

Area

Future Learning

Type of Project

Support in developing innovative learning methodologies; Training of trainers programs
Curriculum design and development

“From the outset, the program has encouraged students not only to develop creative and innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges, but also to transform those ideas into tangible outcomes. We firmly believe that, in order to address the complex issues of the future, students must acquire hands-on prototyping skills. In this regard, the expertise of Fab Lab Barcelona has proven to be a significant asset”.

Carlos González de Miguel,  PhD
Associate professor, UPC (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya)

The Goal

In a world shaped by digital transformation, climate urgency and complex societal shifts, tomorrow’s energy leaders must be equipped not just with knowledge, but with the capacity to prototype change. This was the vision behind the collaboration between EIT InnoEnergy, the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) and Fab Lab Barcelona, as part of the MSc Energy for Smart Cities.

To bring this vision to life, Fab Lab Barcelona designed a tailored academic support and advising programme grounded in digital fabrication, critical design, and rapid prototyping. The programme provided participants with a dynamic entry point into emerging technologies and forward-thinking methodologies.

It was delivered as part of the ground-breaking pilot course “Moonshot Project”, developed by a UPC team led by Professor Andreas Sumper, together with EIT InnoEnergy Master School graduate Marc Jené, and team members Maria Marín and Paula González.

A Long-Term Partnership

This programme marks the 5th consecutive edition of collaboration between Fab Lab Barcelona, UPC and EIT InnoEnergy. Over the past five years, this trusted partnership has grown into a solid framework for academic innovation, providing students with cutting-edge skills and hands-on experience in digital fabrication and challenge-based learning.
This long-term collaboration is a testament to the confidence and value that Fab Lab Barcelona brings to academic institutions seeking transformative, future-proof educational methodologies. It reinforces our role as a reliable partner capable of adapting, evolving and delivering meaningful results across multiple editions.

Our Contribution

Fab Lab Barcelona designed and implemented “Prototyping New Realities”, a two-module immersive learning programme structured around rapid prototyping and challenge-based learning. The programme guided participants through a journey of experimentation, collaboration and critical engagement with technology as a tool for innovation.

Module 1. Introduction to the Prototyping Cycle.
A crash course in physical computing, digital fabrication and iterative development. Through an active, hands-on approach, students explored the fundamentals of prototyping and the Fab Lab ecosystem, learning to ideate, design and fabricate early concepts using a full suite of maker tools.

Module 2. Challenge Prototyping.
A sprint-style project phase in which participants applied their new skills to tackle real-world challenges through team-based fabrication projects. Each cycle culminated in a project presentation, reinforcing communication, design thinking and iterative development.

Fab Lab Barcelona provided full access to its facilities, machines, tools and expert guidance. Participants worked in small teams to develop functional prototypes linked to their academic and personal interests, using open-source methods and distributed design principles.

Methodology

The programme was grounded in Fab Lab Barcelona’s pedagogical principles:

  • Learn by Doing
  • Spiral Development & Iteration
  • Team-based Collaborative Learning
  • Critical Engagement with Technology

Each student group developed a working prototype and documented their process, enabling peer learning and knowledge dissemination.

Impact

  • Empowered 16 master’s students with real-world prototyping experience
  • Delivered 6 working prototypes aligned with sustainability, energy and urban innovation
  • Enabled cross-disciplinary thinking through technology and design integration
  • Fostered a culture of experimentation and openness in the academic setting
  • Prepared students to integrate distributed, digital and circular principles into their future professional practice

Project Team

  • Santi Fuentemilla. Future Learning Lead
  • Mikel Llobera. Digital Fabrication Expert 
  • Adai Suriñach. Digital Fabrication Expert
  • Aurel Richard. Digital Fabrication Expert

Who is it for??

Educational consortia and innovation networks that value long-term partnerships and are committed to transforming how learning happens at the intersection of technology, design, and social impact.

Universities and technical schools, aiming to integrate digital fabrication, rapid prototyping, and critical design into their curriculum.

Academic programme directors and faculty, looking for innovative, modular formats to engage students in challenge-based, interdisciplinary learning experiences.

Partners

Want to bring maker education to your university?

We specialize in creating custom education programmes that combine digital fabrication, critical design and emerging technologies. Contact us to design your next learning experience:

Book a call with our team to discuss how we can work together:
Noel Criado, Strategic Partnerships Lead: [email protected]

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