THE POWER OF COLLABORATION: Brownsville home to Valley’s first prototyping lab, partnership with UTRGV and BCIC

By Victoria Brito Morales

BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS – MAY 8, 2026 – Ideas can now turn into reality as The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) have partnered to establish the Valley’s first advanced prototyping space, the Blueprint Lab.

The lab features a Modix large-format 3D printer, a Bambu desktop 3D printer, CNC machining tools and vinyl design systems. The space is designed to help transform ideas into tangible products. Entrepreneurs, businesses and aspiring creators can use the lab to design, test and refine prototypes.

On Tuesday, May 5, UTRGV and BCIC, along with dignitaries and community members, gathered on the second floor of the eBridge Center in the heart of downtown Brownsville to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of the newly opened Blueprint Lab.

On Tuesday, May 5, UTRGV and BCIC, along with dignitaries and community members, gathered on the second floor of the eBridge Center in the heart of downtown Brownsville to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of the newly opened Blueprint Lab. (UTRGV Photo by Victoria Brito Morales)

“This space reflects partnership, progress and possibility,” said Veronica Gonzales, UTRGV senior vice president for Governmental and Community Relations. “This moment represents the next chapter in a long-standing and trusted relationship between UTRGV and BCIC. 

Backed by a $12 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, this project provides UTRGV students and the local community with a dedicated space to develop new design concepts or refine existing projects. The lab offers free 3D printing services to the public and is open 15 hours a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

UTRGV President Guy Bailey, who attended the ribbon-cutting, said the lab will serve as a hub for innovation across the Rio Grande Valley.

“This is really important for the Rio Grande Valley because many of our students want to start their own businesses,” Bailey said. “They want to be entrepreneurs. Having the ability to prototype their ideas gives them a head start and helps turn those ideas into reality.”

The lab features a Modix large-format 3D printer, a Bambu desktop 3D printer, CNC machining tools and vinyl design systems. (UTRGV Photo by Victoria Brito Morales)

Located at the top of the staircase inside eBridge, the enclosed lab is already soley staffed by UTRGV junior engineering technology major Eber Ramirez, who operates and assists with the equipment.

“It’s amazing to have this space here at eBridge,” Ramirez said. “I’ve been able to help recommend the kinds of tools we need and assist users with operating the equipment. For people who may not be familiar with the technology, we guide them so they can better understand how to use it properly and bring their ideas to life.”

BCIC President and CEO Cori Peña said the lab represents more than just a workspace — it is a continued investment in regional collaboration and innovation.

The lab offers free 3D printing services to the public and is open 15 hours a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. (UTRGV Photo by Victoria Brito Morales)

“For entrepreneurs, it removes one of the biggest barriers, which is access,” Peña said. “Access to tools, technology and the ability to build something real. For students, it creates a bridge between learning and doing — where curiosity turns into capability.

“This space is also here to support the companies already driving our economy. From creating custom tools to solving real-time production challenges, the Blueprint Lab helps businesses adapt, innovate and move forward.”

To schedule use of the lab, contact BCIC at 956-382-7500. For more information about eBridge services, visit https://www.utrgv.edu/ecc/ebridge/.