**University of Bridgeport Celebrates Grand Opening of New STEM Facilities Focused on Experiential Learning and Innovation**
*Bridgeport, CT* — Earlier this month, the University of Bridgeport (UB) broke ground on two state-of-the-art facilities dedicated to experiential learning and innovation in STEM fields. On Friday, October 3, UB welcomed state representatives, community partners, students, faculty, and guests to campus to celebrate the grand opening of the New England FIRST Robotics Hub and the Interdisciplinary Emerging Technologies (IET) Laboratory.
The celebration began with a tour of the Robotics Hub, located in the Steans Manufacturing Center in Mandeville Hall, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the IET Lab housed within UB’s School of Engineering. Together, these new spaces underscore UB’s strong commitment to preparing students for success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through enhanced hands-on learning opportunities and collaborative industry partnerships that engage K-12 students early on.
### Inspiring Future Innovators
Developed in partnership with Access Educational Services and New England FIRST, the Robotics Hub provides a dedicated space where local high school students collaborate with UB undergraduate and graduate engineering students to design, build, and program industrial-sized robots for regional competitions.
“We’re excited to have a home here,” said Gwen Brantley, founder and executive director of ACCESS Educational Services. “UB is allowing us to grow.” She also highlighted that UB faculty, staff, and students will serve as mentors to local high school robotics teams within this new community STEM Hub in Bridgeport.
UB President Danielle Wilken emphasized the impact of the new facilities, stating, “Together, UB and New England FIRST are building an innovation, manufacturing, and robotics ecosystem—one that inspires today’s youth to explore careers in STEM and strengthens Connecticut’s future workforce.”
### Advancing Hands-On STEM Learning
Following the Robotics Hub tour, attendees joined a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Interdisciplinary Emerging Technologies (IET) Lab. This innovative space features a collection of advanced equipment integrated with artificial intelligence technology—a unique facility not found at any other college in the Northeast.
The IET Lab brings together cutting-edge tools for research, design, and prototyping in AI, smart manufacturing, 3D printing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cybersecurity. It fosters collaboration among students and faculty from multiple disciplines, serving as a vibrant center for creativity and technological advancement.
Adding a unique touch to the event, Pepper—a humanoid social robot serving as the IET Lab’s resident ambassador—welcomed guests and introduced the lab during the opening remarks.
Michael Banton, executive director of New England FIRST, described the partnership with UB as “an exciting entryway for our students into higher education.”
Congressman Jim Himes highlighted the lab’s potential impact on the economy, stating, “It’s remarkable how many jobs will be available to people who understand AI and its effects on robotics.”
Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim also expressed his appreciation for the cutting-edge developments at UB, noting that the collaboration with New England FIRST exemplifies the growing opportunities being created right here in Bridgeport.
The event successfully brought together educators, students, business leaders, and community members to celebrate UB’s expanding role as a leader in STEM education and innovation.
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