A new Bend-based startup E::SPACE Labs LLC, a technology incubator, is offering technology-oriented courses beginning this month at its facility, The Bridge, at 48 Bridgeford Blvd., Suite 180 in Bend. Co-founder David V. Robson says E::SPACE is offering technology training at an affordable price. Most of these training courses are not readily available locally.
“E::SPACE Labs is a technology incubator focused on high-tech electronic hardware development,” says Robson. “We operate an electrical engineering and electro-mechanical engineering lab that provides the test equipment and engineering software tools necessary for electronic device development and associated electro-mechanical design.
“In addition to the lab, we offer technology-related classes providing skills needed to work in the high-tech industry. E::SPACE Labs is filling the existing gap in Central Oregon with critical product development test equipment and training at an affordable cost for innovators, entrepreneurs, startups and corporations. Our facility includes professional engineers and experts in their field. E::SPACE is an immediate affordable solution for electronic device developers to take a step into a professional engineering product development environment.”
E::SPACE has been operating since early June and plans to hold a grand opening of its operation in October.
Robson is a an engineer who transitioned out of engineering to product development and then onto marketing and sales management. His career has spanned 25 years working in the diagnostic ultrasound medical field including several years in international marketing in Europe. After leading sales and marketing in medical imaging startups he retired as vice president of sales and marketing of a software company producing cardiovascular medical reports. His entire career has been spent in startup medical device companies. Robson is a strong advocate of Lean Startup Methodology as taught by Steve Blank, Eric Reis and Alexander Osterwalder.
Co-founder Rick Silver has over 30 years experience in managing technology based businesses. He was president and CEO of I-O Solutions in Beaverton, Oregon before providing sales and business consulting services to both for-profit and nonprofit companies in Bend. His understanding of what it takes to build a business from scratch will help motivate and guide early stage E::SPACE Labs member companies.
E::SPACE Labs has assembled an excellent team of strategic advisers, experts in business development and who share the vision of the E::SPACE mission. Robson says the Strategic Board of Advisers are Oregon business leaders who will provide the organization with critical oversight and advice.
Information on classes can be found at www.espacelabs.com
Upcoming classes:
• Introduction to 3D CAD with Fusion 360 for Thinkers, Innovators and Makers — Tim Gorbold, http://www.espacelabs.com/autodesk-fusion-360.html, (6 2-hour sessions). Thursdays, September 17-October 22, 6-8pm at E::SPACE Labs, 48 Bridgeford Blvd., Ste. 180, Bend. $150. Space still available.
• Basic Electronics 101 — Dick Frey, K4XU, http://www.espacelabs.com/basic-electronics-101.html, (8 2-hour sessions). Wednesdays, September 16-November 4, 6:30-8:30pm at E::SPACE Labs, Bend. $100. Space still available.
• Solder School — Steve O’Niel, http://www.espacelabs.com/solder-school.html, (3 2-hour sessions). Mondays, September 28-October 19 6-8pm at E::SPACE Labs, Bend. $80. Space still available.
David V. Robson, co-founder, ESPACE Labs, LLC, Technology Incubator, david@espacelabs.com, 541-241-8801, www.espacelabs.com
(Photo above: E::SPACE Labs 48 Bridgeford Blvd. | Photo Courtesy of E::SPACE Labs, LLC)
