Golden State Today

UC Davis researchers often rely on Tech Foundry for unique tools and prototypes when standard options are unavailable. The facility, which was previously called the TEAM Lab, has operated from Davis under the Department of Biomedical Engineering for over 15 years and is now expanding to Aggie Square.

Steven Lucero, the Director of Tech Foundry, shared insights on the facility's operations and future growth with Dateline UC Davis. Lucero highlighted the facility's role in supporting graduate-level research through design and manufacturing assistance. "We are here primarily to support graduate-level research activity by way of design and manufacturing aid to PIs (principal investigators) and researchers who need aid to conduct their research," Lucero stated.

The Tech Foundry conducts around 600 projects annually, ranging from developing tendon-stretching devices to creating surgical simulation mannequins. Lucero explained, "We might receive the medical imaging data for an animal and then we'll develop some kind of surgical simulation mannequin that simulates the surgical process."

While biomedical engineering constitutes a significant part of their work, Tech Foundry serves various campus groups needing specialized manufacturing services. Lucero expounded, "We will engage with anybody on campus that needs assistance, particularly with the tools and technologies that we are experts in."

The new Aggie Square location will significantly expand the facility's capabilities. Lucero described the new site as vastly larger, with "about 7,500 square feet," allowing for more equipment and project capacity.

Lucero encourages those with engineering-based needs to reach out, emphasizing the potential for collaboration with both public and private partners due to the proximity at Aggie Square. He noted, "I’m a strong believer that being adjacent to a need is a driver for finding needs and then filling those needs."

Staff at Tech Foundry remain open to collaborating with various partners, from individual researchers to startup companies. Lucero shared a memorable project involving the creation of models for a conjoined twin surgery, utilizing their advanced technologies like 3D printing.

For those interested in engaging with Tech Foundry, Lucero advises using their website's project request portal. He also recommends visiting their site for detailed information on available technology and service offerings, encouraging potential collaborators to, "start there and just comb through our technology offerings and service offerings."