The first university futures lab for creative projects in Shanghai has been launched at Donghua University in Chang-ning District.

The center provides resources students need when completing their designs from housekeeping robots to drones that deliver mail. The lab is for anyone with an idea.

“The lab is a new creative science and technology ground for university students. Here they can design and invent projects 24 hours a day. We hope in the future the lab will be part of the faculty and students’ life like the library and classroom,” said Donghua’s President Jiang Changjun.

Donghua started an entrepreneurship curriculum in the 1990s. Since then, many students have walked off the campus with successful projects and started their own businesses.

Wang Zhenwen, Guo Yongjie and two other students from the engineering school designed a shoe called the “Flat-heel” using mechanical theories. When pushing a button on the shoe sole, the high heel shrinks to a flat, making it easier for women who want to wear heels at work but also need to walk long distances when commuting to the office.

The first phase of the futures lab is based on the lab and engineering training center, providing cloud service in addition to 3D printing, and machines for numerical control and cutting machine.

The cloud service is available to all students.

The school is also renovating the training center and updating equipment to make it a new base for interdisciplinary education and practice.

Han Xiao is a junior majoring in industrial design. Since her sophomore year, Han has worked with a few classmates on a series of projects like designing dorm room products.

“It’s not easy to turn an idea into a product,” said Han. “With the help of the school and teachers guiding us every step of the way, they were able to grasp the market demand.

“It’s not only a place for ideas, but a place providing resources, and I believe we’ll have a better path as inventors,” she said.