What We Do (& Don't)
The Frontier Tech Lab (FTL) is a collaborative prototyping hub at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where expert staff and students work together to help entrepreneurs, researchers, and businesses bring ideas to life.
Our team blends professional expertise with student talent to deliver high-quality solutions in product development, additive manufacturing, CNC machining, 3D scanning, rendering, electronics prototyping, and more - serving as your local partner for the advanced capabilities typically outsourced out-of-state or overseas. To that end, we prioritize projects that offer learning value, play to our strengths, and help elevate the region's capacity to innovate.
Mission & Vision
We empower the next generation of innovators through hands-on prototyping, real-world problem solving, and access to advanced technologies — helping Nebraska’s students, researchers, and builders turn ideas into impact.
Part of the NIS Ecosystem
Expert-Guided, Student-Driven Projects
Fast, local prototyping support
Uniquely Positioned for Agility
The Frontier Tech Lab operates as a service center embedded within Nebraska Innovation Studio (NIS) — the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s flagship makerspace and creative hub.
FTL leverages NIS’s space, equipment, and shop infrastructure to support client projects, while focusing on staff-led, student-supported prototyping services. Unlike typical makerspace use, Frontier Tech Lab engagements are scoped, priced, and executed by the lab team in direct partnership with external or internal clients.
This close relationship allows FTL to:
- Provide access to specialized fabrication tools normally kept behind closed doors
- Create hands-on learning experiences for UNL students
- Expand project capacity and regional impact
- Operate with minimal overhead
NIS is the platform - FTL is the engine that turns ideas into reality.
Learn More about the StudioCutting-Edge Tools & Equipment
Affordable, At-Cost Service Model
Cutting-Edge Facilities
We call our 18,000sqft shop at Nebraska Innovation Campus home. If you can dream it, we probably have it - even if it's not listed.
Our Team
Who We Serve
The Frontier Tech Lab supports a wide range of partners across Nebraska and beyond — especially those who need help turning ideas into physical prototypes.
Clients include:
- Entrepreneurs & Startups – building MVPs and iterating on early-stage hardware
- Researchers & Faculty – developing custom tools, test rigs, and experimental models
- Small Businesses & Industry Teams – accessing precision fabrication without large capital costs
- Artists, Designers & Educators – prototyping one-of-a-kind pieces for public, academic, or outreach use
By offering tailored support and access to advanced tools, FTL creates a bridge for clients who might not otherwise have a clear way to collaborate with Nebraska Innovation Studio.
