The Fab Lab Reggio Emilia is an initiative of Arch. Francesco Bombardi (*) who, after getting into contact with Fab Lab Amsterdam and many professionals working in other laboratories (Enrico Bassi Fab Lab Torino, Massimo Menichinelli Aalto Factory), decided to replicate the same experience in Reggio Emilia. After several consultations, the project was first presented to a number of possible promoters such as Reggio Emilia Innovation (REI), the Province of Reggio Emilia and the City Council, before being approved by the Board of Directors in July 2012. The settlement on the premises of Spazio Gerra (made available by Reggio Emilia City Council) took place in September 2012, while the official opening was held on October 27 of the same year.

The Fab Lab Reggio Emilia's mission is twofold: on one hand to support the companies in the paths of innovation and development of new ideas and projects through the development of people and interdisciplinary skills.
The Fab Lab launched the IDEA CHALLENGE formula, preparing a detailed brief with the company and guiding work groups (interdisciplinary) to realize prototypes in one-two days time, using digital fabrication tools and know-how.
Products realized : 12 V Coffe Machine ( with Redox) , New Products in Polistirolo Espanso ( with CoopBox ), Digital Garden Kit ( in progress with IREN Rinnovabili), stencil customization for painting decoration indoor ( with Litokol), Gadgets for Fotografia Europea 2013, condom twitter display ( with Industree for Durex).

The Fab Lab Reggio Emilia is connected with Università di Modena e Reggio, Dipartimento di Scienze e Metodi di Ingegneria where Francesco Bombardi is helding a course of Industrial Design rapid prototyping.
One of the project-ptrototype developed by the student has been presented to Ferrari in Maranello.
Another was presented during the BarCamper tour ( accelerometro for guitar)

In the mean time Fab Lab is choosing some topics to research as to be able to internally produce prototypes and propose them to users , institutions or companies.
Products : 3D Printer adaptation (with Redox) , window dynamic display unit (with UnderDesign) , fab –valigia for schools (with Chiara Ferraboschi and Officina Educativa), Paesaggi di Formaggio (with Parmigiano Reggiano)

On the other hand, to allow individuals and / or communities to access tools useful to learn, experiment, prototype and self-produce, contributing to the emergence of new entrepreneurial projects.
Workshops: 3d printing, 3d scanning, laser cutting, robotics, tangible diagrams, 3d modeling, interaction design, fashion design, jewelry, cnc milling.
Workshop for schools and dedicated workshops for architects and managers ( INARC, CNA Emilia Romagna, MUSE Trento)

Reggio Emilia Innovazione (REI) has studied the economic feasibility and has also directly funded the fab lab's activities. The City Council has provided the location in the heart of the city center, materializing the idea of an Urban Factory, in close contact with the citizens and city's cultural events thanks to Spazio Gerra managers.

The fab lab is powered by Reggio Emilia Innovazione and managed and directed by Francesco Bombardi, with the collaboration of Fernando Arias Sandoval.
Several public and private actors have shared the fab lab's mission and took part in the project directly contributing for its realization. The Fab Lab Reggio Emilia Community counts more than 200 active people.