Open Cell, is a non-profit community research centre that aims to give access to new technologies to the community. Open Cell is not a traditional scientific research centre but instead a place where community members can attend talks, workshops and access studio/laboratory time alongside role models, like young fashion designers, architects and innovative engineers, to explore the uses of sustainable technologies in their everyday lives. The goal of Open Cell is to establish a long-term and sustainable initiative where citizens can take control and learn, experience, create and discuss important topics around technology, their health and well-being. It provides a sandbox for young innovators and the community. Open Cell is community centred and acts outside traditional educational institutions but in collaboration with them. Funding will be used to establish a community laboratory alongside an educational programme for the wider community

What we'll deliver:

• Building of a community education centre
• Development of an education programme for children and adults (workshops, talks, exhibitions and more)

Why it's a great idea:

Open Cell believes that knowledge and new technologies should be accessible and affordable to the wider community and not only people who can afford and want to study at a scientific institution. We want to empower the community to actively take part in the development of sustainable solutions. Shepherds Bush is a historic centre for trading in both food and textiles. Open Cell uses this as a starting point for conversations about the real-world impact of biological innovations. Education and dialogue are achieved through participation and empowerment of community members by helping them access, use, respond to, and participate. Open Cell goals are: • Empowering citizens to access, use, and participate in people-centered research and innovation • Enabling citizens to learn about new technologies and think critically about research, innovation and the role in society. • Allowing a wide range of local communities to access knowledge, facilities, educational programmes and expertise

Steps to get it done:

• Development Open Science Centre
• Development of a project based interdisciplinary education programme (STEAM)
• Extending our co-working space to facilitate even more sustainable young innovators

Open Cell believes that there are many great minds and ideas out there that can help to build a more sustainable future. Open Cell will offer workshops how to make your own biomaterials out of food-waste, how to make your own bio-plastic for sustainable fashion and how to produce your own pigments from bacteria for sustainable prints. Open Cell is a testbed for all those great ideas and a playground to learn something new. We love collaborations and are working with fantastic partners such as Bubble&Squeak, a kids-run social enterprise for saving surplus food Studio Hache, workshops for the local community Synbicite, the UK Biology Accelerator based in Imperial College London Royal College of Art, Fashion Department Upstream, support for innovation, collaboration and business growth.