Nova Labs

Woodworking Boot Camp helps Nova Labs members move beyond tool sign offs and gain the skills and confidence to tackle woodworking projects independently.

New collaboration connects entrepreneurs, makers, and future technology talent through hands-on innovation and workforce development. Fairfax, Virginia – Nova Labs, Northern Virginia's nonprofit makerspace dedicated to hands-on learning, innovation, and entrepreneurship, today announced a strategic collaboration with SEED Technologies LLC through the launch of its new Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) Program. The initiative is designed to strengthen the region's innovation ecosystem by...

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, the Nova Labs Capital Campaign has officially closed at $114,851, surpassing our $100,000 goal and unlocking an additional $15,000 matching grant. Together, we are making important improvements to our shared makerspace and investing in Nova Labs' future.

Four or so years ago when my father passed away, Christopher Sexton, woodshop steward and maker of fine dovetailed boxes (I think he’s made upwards of 60 of them), invited me to do some woodworking. He suggested it might be a good way to process things. Something inside me said "Great idea! I want to build an electric guitar!" Always with a gentle voice, he suggested maybe we start with a few other things first. Maybe learn a few things. Ok, Ok. So, with his help: I made a guitar stand Then a...

Can you believe this past December marks three years since we moved to Fairfax? Way back when our main focus was just keeping the power on and passing fire marshal inspections. We've come such a long way since then, from clearing space and building walls, to developing some awesome programs and building strong relationships with the broader community. Check out Nova Lab's first ever Annual Report below to learn what we've been doing and where we're focusing on going next, or click here to...

Working with National Bell Festival to support the Solidarity Bell.

When Nova Labs was looking for a new home on a tight deadline, we searched far and wide, trying to find something we could afford, continue to grow in, and in a location that wasn't so far out that it would disrupt our established community of members. When we found this building, we knew it would take a lot of work, but it checked all the boxes. We loved the opportunity to add a makerspace to the middle of Fairfax, right off 66, and close to George Mason and Northern Virginia Community...