Cambridge, Massachusetts — The Fab Foundation, in partnership with MIT’s Center for Bits and Atoms, the MIT Museum, Fab Hub Kendall and the Fab City Foundation, will launch FAB26 Boston, the world’s largest global conference on digital fabrication and making on July 27, 2026. The FAB26 program features a dynamic week of keynote talks, hands-on workshops, symposium sessions, innovation challenges, networking events, tours, and community celebrations. Taking place July 27-31, FAB26 will bring together academics, government and industry leaders, scientists, researchers, engineers, educators, artists and makers to think together about the future of technology development and the impact that technology can bring to communities around the world.
FAB26 Boston marks a special milestone as the Fab Lab Network celebrates 25 years of innovation, education, and community impact, returning to the Greater Boston area where the Fab Lab movement began at the Center for Bits and Atoms at MIT. The Fab Lab community has grown from a single experimental lab established in rural India in 2001, to more than 3000 labs in 150 countries in 2026.
The full schedule for FAB26 Boston is now live, unveiling an ambitious and engaging program of 200+ activities. More than 1,200 participants are expected to join FAB26 Boston from across the global Fab Lab network and beyond. Throughout the week, attendees will gather on the MIT campus, at the MIT Museum, at Fab Hub Kendall and partner locations throughout Greater Boston to exchange ideas, showcase projects, build new collaborations, and imagine the next 25 years of distributed innovation.
Built around five thematic tracks: Origins & Futures, Tools & Tech, Education & Learning, People & Planet, and Systems & Scaling, the conference will explore the past, present, and future of digital fabrication while addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing communities and the planet.
Sherry Lassiter, President and CEO of the Fab Foundation notes that “FAB26 is more than a conference, it’s a global gathering of people who believe that access to tools, knowledge, and technology can empower communities to shape their own futures. As we celebrate 25 years of Fab Labs, this year’s program reflects both how far we’ve come and the opportunities ahead.”
The conference will culminate with a Distributed Festival and public-facing experiences throughout Massachusetts and New England, connecting local communities with the global maker movement. Learn more here: https://fab26.fabevent.org/programs/schedule
Introducing the FAB26 Kid Lab Pass
For the first time, FAB26 will offer a dedicated Kid Lab Pass, creating a week-long learning experience for young makers ages 9–18. Developed in collaboration with the MIT Museum and Fab Global Kids, the program will feature supervised hands-on STEAM activities, creative design challenges, digital fabrication experiences, and collaborative projects designed to inspire the next generation of innovators. The program will accommodate up to 50 young participants and includes all materials and daily snacks. Family package options are also available to make participation more accessible for parents attending the conference. Learn more at: https://fab26.fabevent.org/programs/kids-lab-schedule
Celebrating the Partners Behind FAB26
FAB26 Boston would not be possible without the support, vision, and collaboration of our growing network of partners. We extend our sincere gratitude to all organizations that have committed resources, expertise, technology, and community leadership to help make this year’s event a reality.
Special thanks to our Partners xTool, SolidWorks, 3D Experience and the Dassault Foundation, Bother, DFRobot, Chevron, Fab Academy, and Media Partners: Iaac, Fab Lab Barcelona and MoonMakers, who continue to invest in the future of digital fabrication, education, and innovation. Together, they are helping create a space where ideas become projects, projects become solutions, and solutions become global impact.
Registration Now Open
Registration for FAB26 Boston is now open, including Full Week Passes, Day Passes, Family Packages, and the new Kid Lab Pass. With the full schedule now available, attendees can begin planning their conference experience and exploring more than 250 opportunities to learn, connect, and create alongside the global Fab Lab community.
To view the full schedule and register, visit: https://fab26.fabevent.org
Join us in Boston and Cambridge this July as we celebrate 25 years of Fab Labs and vision for the next 25 together.
FAB26 Boston Hosts
MIT’s Center for Bits and Atoms
Fab City Foundation
For more information and press access credential, please contact Norella Coronell at the Fab Foundation. norella@fabfoundation.org phone: 857-265-0585.
