Cycle 2027 Node · Fab Lab Benfica · Lisboa, PT

How to make almost anything.
In Lisboa.

The Fab Academy is a digital fabrication program developed at MIT. Global lectures by Prof. Neil Gershenfeld, combined with hands-on mentorship at Fab Lab Benfica — Portugal's only Fab Academy node.

Apply for Fab Academy 2027 Read the programme brochure

FIG. 01 — Fab Lab Benfica, ESELx campus38.75°N 9.20°W

01 — The programme

What is the Fab Academy?

A fast-paced, hands-on learning experience: students learn rapid prototyping by planning and executing a new project each week, resulting in a personal portfolio of technical skills. Through MIT's global lectures combined with local mentorship at Fab Lab Benfica, participants develop expertise in fabrication technologies — within Lisboa's cultural context.

World-class education

Direct connection to MIT's Center for Bits and Atoms
Live lectures by Prof. Neil Gershenfeld
Global certification recognised by the Fab Lab Network
Access to international expertise and knowledge sharing

Immersive learning

Weekly hands-on projects and skill development
Personal mentoring from experienced instructors
Access to state-of-the-art fabrication equipment
Build a professional portfolio of achievements

Strategic location

Historic ESELx campus setting
Part of Politécnico de Lisboa's innovation ecosystem
The only Fab Academy node in Portugal
Lisboa's vibrant creative scene on your doorstep

02 — Curriculum

Twenty weeks. One new skill every week.

20-WEEK INTENSIVE PROGRAM

Interactive global lectures from MIT
Hands-on assignments and skill development
Personalised local instruction and mentoring
Development of a final innovation project
Professional documentation and portfolio

COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM

Advanced digital design and fabrication
Electronics production and programming
3D printing and scanning technologies
Machine design and control
Project development and innovation
Networks and communications systems

THE WEEKLY RHYTHM — group assignments at the node See the 2026 group work →

WK 03

Computer-controlled cutting

WK 04

Embedded programming

WK 05

3D scanning and printing

WK 06

Electronics design

WK 07

Computer-controlled machining

WK 08

Electronics production

WK 09

Input devices

WK 10

Output devices

WK 11

Networking and communications

WK 12–13

Mechanical & machine design

WK 14

Molding and casting

WK 15

Interface & application programming

03 — Experience Lisboa

Innovation meets tradition, on a historic campus.

Fab Lab Benfica operates within the School of Education of the Polytechnic University of Lisbon (ESELx), combining advanced technology with inspirational surroundings.

The campus brings together academic rigour and Mediterranean character. It sits 15 minutes from downtown Lisboa by public transport, in a mild Atlantic climate — with cultural heritage, Portuguese hospitality and an international community around you while you learn.