In a bold step toward shaping the next generation of innovators, LIFT – the Department of Defense-supported national advanced materials and manufacturing innovation institute – officially opened the doors to its brand-new Learning Lab yesterday at its Puerto Rico facility in Caguas.
The ribbon-cutting, attended by Carlos J. Rios Pierluisi, Deputy Secretary, Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce, William Miranda Torres, Mayor, Caguas, local and regional manufacturers, educators, and enthusiastic students from Colegio Católico Notre Dame, CIMATEC, Caribbean Robotics Academy, Escuela Especializada en Ciencias y Matemáticas Brígida Álvarez Rodríguez, Escuela Superior Lino Padrón Rivera marked a pivotal moment for education and workforce development on the island.
Designed to ignite curiosity and build real-world skills, the state-of-the-art Learning Lab immerses users in the rapidly evolving world of advanced manufacturing. From K-12 students and educators to career-seekers and industry professionals, the Lab offers hands-on access to robotics, automation, and core disciplines such as materials science, electronics, metrology, and mechatronics.
“We’re grateful that LIFT is expanding its operations in Puerto Rico, by opening this strategic Lab that will greatly benefit our economic development efforts, based in strengthening innovation and updating the technological skills of our workforce continuously, to keep attracting advanced manufacturing to the Island. This Learning Lab will provide our students, teachers and professionals with a front-row seat to the future,” expressed Carlos Ríos Pierluisi, Deputy Secretary of Puerto Rico’s Department of Economic Development and Commerce.