The Toaster Innovation Hub
The Toaster has an open collaborative space, as well as reservable spaces for meetings, workshops, and events. We also have a makerspace with hands-on equipment and supplies, and provide staffed support for your projects. The Toaster is free to use for all members of the University.
About the Toaster
The Toaster serves as a platform to initiate discussions, foster ideation, and facilitate the transition of your concepts into tangible projects. We offer a range of collaborative workshops and events, alongside personalized coaching sessions. The Toaster is equipped with an extensive array of resources. We recommend beginning by engaging with our signature programs, which includes Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Making, Media Creation, and Virtual Reality.
The Toaster is a place where ideas are generated, connections are made, and entrepreneurial spirits are ignited.
Hub resources and supports
Entrepreneurship and innovation
We are all about fostering the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. Whether you have experience or are just curious we offer a variety of ways to explore innovation and entrepreneurship - be it for a product, service, or social impact initiative idea. We've teamed up with campus and local partners to bring you programs that will inspire, connect, and educate the next generation of innovators - that's you! You are invited to chat with our expert coaches, attend an event, participate in a challenge, enroll in a course, or connect to a co-curricular opportunity to help you move forward on your innovator journey.
Makerspace
The Toaster’s in-house makerspace, provides a creative space for you to make and break things... and not always in that order! Whether you’re looking for a creative outlet or prototyping a product concept, this FREE resource is here for you to tinker, prototype, and create. With a variety of items from art supplies to creative tech, it is a great spot to hone your skills or learn something new! All majors and skill levels are welcome!
Media and virtual reality
Content creation requires meticulous planning, creativity, and technical expertise. Our team is prepared to guide you through every phase, whether it's a digital narrative, podcast, website, or virtual reality project. Our Media Services and Virtual Reality teams are ready to provide personalized consultations, hands-on workshops, equipment rentals, and digital resources to ensure your project excels. Each project has its unique story, and we are committed to helping you articulate it effectively.
Since its launch in Spring 2020, the Toaster Innovation Hub has grown into a dynamic engine for creativity, collaboration, and community at the University of Minnesota. With a thriving network of over 5,100 community members from all corners of campus, the Toaster is where inspiration meets action and bold ideas are brought to life.
At its heart, the Toaster is designed to connect students, faculty, staff, and the wider community to the University’s expansive innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Open to all and energized by student passion, it serves as a welcoming space where disciplines converge, ideas flourish, and everyone is empowered to make an impact.
We invite you to dive deeper into what makes the Toaster truly unique—explore our mission, guiding principles, history, key data, valued partners, and operational policies. Whether you're curious about our roots or ready to join our growing community, the Toaster is here to spark your next big idea.
Learn more about The Toaster
Join the Toaster community
Jump into the exciting world of innovation, entrepreneurship, and creation at the University of Minnesota by becoming a part of the Toaster Community! Joining our energetic group isn't only free, but serves as a springboard for UMN students, student organizations, campus programs, and faculty/staff/administration to chase their innovative and creative spirits. Uncover the advantages of becoming a member and make the choice today to grow your network. What are you waiting for?
Engage with the Toaster
Connect
…a place to drop-in, collaborate, and attend events and workshops.
The Toaster's 6,500 sq ft space offers a collaborative environment supporting everything from 1-on-1 meetings and small group sessions to large scale events and workshops.
There will always be dedicated space in the Toaster for first come, first seated drop-in users. But we also offer a variety of small group spaces available for reservation to Toaster Community members. Spaces can be booked for 2 hours a day up to 2 weeks in advance. Priority is given for small group work, spaces not reserved will default to drop-in use. Available spaces include:
Ideate
…consider, explore, and work to create the next big ideas are alongside a community of over 4,900 students representing 16 UMN colleges/schools.
Whether it’s a business concept, a campus challenge, or a community problem you want to solve, The Toaster is your place to connect with expert staff, faculty, and alumni to ideate, and grow your ideas into something real.
We’re here to support your journey with:
Weekly coaching sessions to refine your ideas, get actionable feedback, and guide you every step of the way,
Academic courses and workshops to explore entrepreneurship and innovation from every angle.
Student groups filled with creative, like-minded peers
Opportunities to bring your ideas to life through proposals, challenges, and competitions
Make
The Toaster’s in-house makerspace, virtual reality, and media content creation spaces provide creative place for you to make and break things... and not always in that order!
Whether you’re looking for a creative outlet or prototyping a product concept, this FREE resource is here for you to tinker, prototype, and create. With a variety of items from art supplies to creative tech, it is a great spot to hone your skills or learn something new! These spaces are open to everyone at the University, and no prior experience is needed.
The best way to learn is by catching a workshop. We offer weekly workshops in making, virtual reality, and media to help you learn to use the equipment and software, or to create a fun project!
You can also learn to make using the Maker Bootcamp, a self-guided, non-credited course that covers 3D modeling, computer-aided cutting, and more! Learn more and enroll here.
Need more support for your video, podcast, or other media projects? Check out the Libraries media page for information on equipment check out, tutorials, and other resources.
Interested in virtual reality and want to know more about what apps, experiences, and support we offer? The Libraries virtual reality page has everything you need to know!
Launch
We collaborate with forward-thinking partners from across campus to deliver bold, hands-on programming that’s built to inspire, educate, and connect innovation-minded undergraduate and graduate students… like YOU!
Whether you’re developing a new product, exploring entrepreneurial pathways, or simply driven by curiosity and creativity, The Toaster is here to help you turn ideas into impact.
Fuel your journey with a variety of high-impact activities, including:
Applied experiences – Test your ideas, solve real problems, and build meaningful skills.
Internships, coaches, and mentors – Connect with startups, innovation labs, and entrepreneurial ventures shaping the future.
Co-curricular activities – Participate in dynamic workshops, networking events, and programs that go beyond the classroom.
Innovation competitions and challenges – Step into the spotlight, pitch your ideas, and compete for funding, mentorship, and more.
Your next breakthrough starts here. Are you ready to explore, create, and lead? Let’s get started!
Event offerings and space
The Toaster's 6,500 sq ft space offers a collaborative environment supporting everything from 1-on-1 meetings and small group sessions to large scale events and workshops. Check out the spaces below for greater detail.
Attend an event
Check out the Toaster Team’s curated list of events and workshops taking place in the Toaster, on campus, and in the broader community.
Find what you need to move your ideas to action — from panel discussions, casual meetups, and mentoring opportunities to our and hands-on workshops and "Coordinated Collisions."
Reserve the Toaster for your event
Large event spaces are available to reserve for student facing innovation and/or entrepreneurship related programming or meetings sponsored by University Departments, Faculty, and Staff.
Student Organizations that join the Toaster as an Affiliated Student Organization are also eligible to reserve event space.
With a highly configurable space we are sure we can find a space and layout that is best for your event. Interested in reserving a space for your event? Start by reviewing the space options and event policy to learn the requirements and determine your event eligibility.
Bring Your Class
Faculty the Toaster is YOUR space too!! Whether you’re hoping to integrate an element of innovation or entrepreneurship into your course, looking for a dynamic space for active learning, or simply pointing your students in the direction of relevant resources and supports, we’re here for you.
Let us help you leverage the Toaster to enrich your curriculum and foster innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity.
Interested in bring your class? Start the conversation by emailing [email protected].
Meet the Toaster Team
At the heart of the Toaster is a dynamic crew of passionate individuals ready to help you spark ideas and bring them to life. Our amazing Student Ambassador Team is your front-line resource, always ready at the Welcome Desk to guide you through everything the Toaster has to offer.
But that’s just the beginning. Experts from the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship and the Libraries’ Engagement, Outreach, and Community Partnerships bring the energy and expertise with hands-on coaching hours, high-impact workshops, and support for classes and real-world challenges.
Whether you’re here to create, collaborate, or launch the next big thing — the Toaster Team has your back.
News from the Toaster
Archives are for everyone
In collaboration with the Minnesota Public Health Association, the University Archives and Special Collections showcased how studying history, especially in public health, informs how we move forward
Beyond the Books: How UMN Libraries elevates student learning with its unique spaces
The Toaster, Makerspaces and Virtual Reality Studio show that there are always new ways to teach, learn, collaborate and create.
The MVP Challenge returns to the Toaster once again for Founders Day
A look at some of the student ventures being presented at Founders Day By: Megan…
Students sharpen their entrepreneurial talents during Biz Pitch at the Toaster
On April 2, Biz Pitch was held at the Toaster, the competition was open to…
Hours
The Toaster Innovation Hub has public access Monday through Friday. On Saturday and Sunday access to Walter Library and the Toaster is available for students, faculty, and staff with a U Card.
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Location and contact information
- Visit
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Basement of Walter Library
117 Pleasant St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455 - Call
- 612-625-9322
- [email protected]
