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Research, Innovation, Design & Entrepreneurial (RIDE) Center
RIDE Center '24-'25 Innovation Challenge Opportunities
Discover our dynamic learning hub, fostering collaboration, industry partnerships, and hands-on experiences.
Explore the recently renovated Parenzo Hall, where you'll find the Research, Innovation, Design, & Entrepreneurial (RIDE) Center. It's not just a fabrication lab—it's a place for developing innovative ideas and entrepreneurial practices in Western MA. We're dedicated to getting students involved by partnering with external stakeholders and community leaders to address complex problems. We use fabrication and design tools that encourage creativity and innovation, engaging and preparing our students to be thought leaders for jobs of the future.
RIDE Mission Statement
The Research, Innovation, Design and Entrepreneurial (RIDE) Center increases accessibility to technology, innovation, and entrepreneurial practices to accelerate learning and prepare students for leadership and jobs of the future.
Ready to Get Started? Here's What's Next at the RIDE Center.
Whether you're eager to jump into action, meet the team, or explore upcoming events and workshops, you're in the right place. Get ready to start an exciting journey as we guide you through all the opportunities awaiting you at the RIDE Center.
President's Innovation Fund
Open to all Westfield State University students, faculty and staff.
For the 2025-2026 academic year, The President’s Innovation Fund is dedicating $200,000 to implement novel strategies and initiatives that will spur innovation, creativity, and excellence at Westfield State University.
Fall 2024 Entrepreneurial Speaker Series Panel
Engage with our local food and beverage entrepreneurs and be inspired by their business journey and passion for serving their community. Open to all students, faculty and staff. Nonalcoholic samples and raffles for all attendees!
When: November 13th, 2024 4:00-6:00pm
Where: RIDE Center, Parenzo Hall 110
Link to register: https://forms.gle/Yb5CXMgCMRTGewua6
Event Sponsors: Westfield State Career Center, Westfield State University Department of Management & Marketing, RIDE Center, Westfield State University Foundation
2nd Annual Westfield State University Entrepreneurial Speaker Series
November 13, 4-6pm
RIDE Center, Parenzo 110
Link to Register: https://forms.gle/Yb5CXMgCMRTGewua6
Fall 2024 Tool Tuesdays Theme Announced: "DIY Designs"
Join us on select Tuesdays throughout the Fall 2024 Semester and participate in "Tool Tuesdays" workshops designed to introduce users to fabrication tools and creative approaches. All workshops will be held 1:00pm-4:00pm, in The RIDE Center Parenzo 110!
Sept. 17th: Hanging wall canvas
Oct. 1st: T-Shirt Pillows
Oct. 15th: DIY "Shower Steamers"
Oct. 29th: Crochet Succulent Holders
Nov. 12th: "Stained Glass" Artwork
Generously Co-Sponsored by: The Beveridge Family Foundation of Western Massachusetts & Westfield State University Foundation
View the RIDE Center Calendar
FALL 2024 Drop In Hours:
Monday 9:00am-4:00pm
Wednesday 9:00am-4:00pm
Thursday 9:00am-4:00pm
Friday 9:00am-4:00pm
Please note: "Drop In" hours are designed for project development, and are not reserved for specific training. Before you can utilize any equipment in the RIDE Center, you must be trained by a staff member. To learn more information about how to obtain a Skills Badge and schedule time for training, click here.
Virtual Tour of the RIDE Center
Contact Us
Lamis Jarvinen, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Research, Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurial Center
Parenzo 110
Contact Us
Grace S. Templeton
Coordinator, Research, Innovation, Design and Entrepreneurial Center
Parenzo 110
