FAQ

General

• What are the membership rates?

  Type                              Monthly Rate        

  Shop                               $250

  Shared Workspace         $350

  Reserved Desk               $450

  
  

  
  

  Learn more on our Plans and Benefits page. Daily passes are available for $35 per day. We have a limited number of personal and team offices. Drop us a note through the Contact Us page to learn more.   

• How can I apply to be a member of mHUB?

  Apply to mHUB here.

• How will startups be selected for membership?

  We’re so excited to learn more about your work! 

  We are now accepting applications for membership to mHUB via the mHUB website. The review process seeks to identify the most promising physical product design innovators who demonstrate the potential to succeed in executing their vision. Potential members supply their business plan, a market analysis and a summary of their current progress. 

  Apply here to be an mHUB member.

• What types of labs, workshops and tools are available at mHUB?

  mHUB features 10 unique fabrication centers to aid in product design and rapid prototyping, including:

       3D Printing

       Electronics

       Laser Cutting

       Metal Fabrication

       Plastic Molding

       Testing

       Textiles

       Welding and Grinding

       Water Works

       Wood Shop     

  
  

  We also have a microfactory for onsite low-volume production runs. Learn more about mHUB's physical resources on our Equipment and Labs page.

  Please note that most machines at mHUB require additional training.

• Can I bring in my own equipment?

  Member equipment decisions are made on a case-by-case basis depending on size, location, usage, and storage needs. Member equipment needs to be stored in a rented garage or office space.  The shop and membership team can answer any further questions. 

• Can I join mHUB even if I’m not working on something technical?

  Yes! We are building a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem at mHUB, so whether you are working on projects ranging from hardware to consumer goods we have resources to support every type of person, company, or product that comes into our space. 

• Do members get automatic access to the Shop?

  Only members who have completed safety training are allowed in the Shop, where the labs and equipment are.  Shop Safety Training occurs weekly, so members have opportunities to gain Shop access on an ongoing basis. Training is generally 30 minutes to 1 hour, and covers lab safety and how to use specific equipment.

  Due to COVID-19, all shop trainings are now virtual. 

• Is there a material store on site?

  The prototyping shop stocks a selection of commonly used materials available for members to purchase. We will refer you to the appropriate company in our supplier network for materials we do not stock. 

• There is a machine I want to use that you don't have, can you get it?

  The shop staff is happy to learn about your equipment needs. Equipment purchases follow a yearly budget and capabilities are added when we identify significant member value. 

• Will mHUB build out my product for me?

  mHUB will not build your product for you; however, we pride ourselves on creating a supportive ecosystem that will provide you all the tools and resources necessary to accomplish your goals. However, the mHUB shop does offer fabrication services for a fee and larger-scale projects can be discussed with the Hardtech Development team. 

• What is mHUB Hardtech Development (HD)?

  mHUB HD provides manufacturers with access to highly skilled engineers, designers and developers with diverse backgrounds to support R&D, product development, process improvement and more.  mHUB HD works with clients to understand challenges, prioritize and determine if working with us is the right fit. Since our pilot in 2018, mHUB HD has worked with over 60 unique clients from startups to Fortune 500 companies, developed more than 75 new products and numerous discovery, brainstorms and workshops.  Visit https://mhubchicago.com/mHUBPD for more information.

   

• Are materials included in membership?

  Materials aren't included in membership, but we do have a convenient on-site materials store where members can purchase them. Our Shop staff can also guide members on the most cost-effective sources for any unique materials not on-site.

• Are members allowed to have visitors?

  Yes, members are welcome to have visitors in our Shared Workspace. Members also have access to book conference rooms to conduct meetings with members and non-members, alike. The Shop is the only space in mHUB off-limits to visitors (unless they are on-site for a scheduled tour). 

• Can I host my event at mHUB?

  mHUB has over 5000 square feet of premier event space. Our large event space is perfect for networking events, panels, corporate meetings, and gatherings. We also have several smaller classrooms and conference rooms great for private meetings, classes/trainings, and small meetups. Every year mHUB hosts more than 300 events in our space. We see everything from meetup groups, to hackathons, to corporate networking events. 

  We host events that are compatible with our commitment to growth in the manufacturing innovation ecosystem. 

  To submit a request form to host your event at mHUB, click here. 

  To view our post-COVID event guide, click here.

• How do I get involved with mentorship?

   Any questions regarding our unique mentorship opportunities can be answered by reaching out to info@mhubchicago.com 

• How many startups can mHUB accommodate?

  mHUB is currently home to over 270 startups. We plan to continue nurturing hundreds of new companies that will create jobs and revenue,

• Who are the community players involved in mHUB?

  The range of mHUB partners across the ecosystem is part of what makes this opportunity exciting:

  Universities, including the University of Illinois at Chicago, Northwestern University, and Illinois Tech, bring research and talent.

  Manufacturers, such as our first corporate partners — GE Ventures, Marmon, The Chamberlain Group, AskPower, Wiegel Toolworks, will not only use our facilities, but also present industry-specific needs for our community of entrepreneurs to address.

  Manufacturing associations — Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) and the Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA) — for instance, connect entrepreneurs to the manufacturing sector and help scale.

  A robust entrepreneurial community of technologists, physical product development engineers and designers, and makers bring new ideas and processes to drive innovation.

  Early-stage investors eager for opportunities will supply capital and support.

  Education partners, such as Chicago Public Schools, develop STEM and Career Technical Education (CTE; formerly vocational education) skills in Chicago’s student population.

  Neighborhood partners bring diversity to our community, including BWISE, NSBE, Women Tech Founders, etc.

  Technology partners, such as Keysight, Argonne Labs and UL, provide members with access to software, research, tools and testing equipment.

• What do the M's of mHUB stand for?

  The Ms are purposefully ambiguous and represent many things related to our dynamic ecosystem. Think:

  Manufacture. Make. Machines. Markets. Mentor. Midwest. Members. Momentum.