In Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia, there is a space where ideas become reality: 'FabLab Bishkek', located at the State Technical University (KSTU). Here, they create prosthetic arms that even hospitals cannot produce and print Kyrgyz Braille books that are difficult to find on the market. FabLab serves as a center for employment and entrepreneurship education, where prototypes are created using 3D printing equipment and exceptional products can evolve into startup ventures.

FabLab is a digital workshop that originated in the United States in the early 2000s. Anyone with an idea can visit and create items using machine tools such as 3D printers and laser cutters, as well as various IT technologies. It has spread worldwide because it can create essential items for the disabled and socially disadvantaged, in addition to offering vocational training.

FabLab Bishkek was established in October 2020 with KOICA's support. The project aims to provide IT education and foster digital manufacturing technology talent to support employment and start-ups, aligning with the Kyrgyz government's IT industry development and promotion policy. Following the first project implemented in 2019, the second project has been underway from 2022 to the present year.

Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov (left), who visited 'FabLab Bishkek' located at KSTU in May, is talking with KSTU Rector Mirlan Chynybaev.

Creation of a historic space that overcomes disabilities

The production of Kyrgyz Braille textbooks is also carried out at the FabLab. Although Russian is an official language in Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyz is the native language and is commonly used. However, since most Braille books are produced in Russian, it is challenging for visually impaired people to learn their native language, Kyrgyz.

Professor Turdalieva Aizat of KSTU has been leading a project to introduce Kyrgyz Braille books, replacing Russian ones, in schools for the visually impaired. A 3D printer is used to create Braille textbooks on acrylic plates. Unlike Braille books made by hand on thick paper, which can get damaged with frequent use, acrylic Braille books do not suffer from this issue. In 2022 alone, the first year of the project, nearly 200 Braille textbooks were produced, including geometry math books for middle school students, as well as Kyrgyz language textbooks.

Baspayev Amir (right), who lost his right arm in an accident, was presented with a prosthetic arm made using 3D printing equipment at FabLab.

FabLab also produces prosthetic arms with movable finger joints using 3D printers. Baspayev Amir (17), who lost his right arm at a coal processing factory when he was 11, received a free, customized prosthetic arm made by FabLab last year. Amir, who can now freely pick up objects with both hands, dreams of becoming a programmer. He said, “My dream is to receive programming education at FabLab and become an IT developer.”

Striving to cultivate talent that will lead the national IT industry

KSTU is focusing on creating an ecosystem for the IT industry through the FabLab project, with a key emphasis on sustainability. To start, a credit recognition class was established at KSTU in collaboration with FabLab. To establish a base for local self-reliance, local educators directly provide training on the use of digital manufacturing equipment. A total of 360 students, with 120 completing the class each year, have undergone the training. A separate expert training course was also held for university professors. In the first half of this year, digital manufacturing training was provided to local residents. To date, more than 500 people have been trained in digital manufacturing technology.

Scene from the ‘FabLab Bishkek Make-A-Thon 2023,’ held at KSTU from December 6 to 8 of last year

In addition to entrepreneurship education aimed at helping young people find jobs and start businesses, an employment and start-up fair, as well as a start-up incubation program, were also held. In December last year, the ‘FabLab Bishkek Make-A-Thon 2023’ took place over three days and two nights. Students submitted various prototypes applying IoT technology to agriculture, including smart greenhouse farms, irrigation systems, and solutions for poultry farming and seedling cultivation.

Kyrgyzstan does not yet have a national certification system like Korea's. For this reason, FabLab is preparing to assume the function and role of a national qualification center. Kim Sung-hoon, head of FabLab Bishkek, said, “With the FabLab certification, more graduates will be able to secure good jobs or start their own businesses,” adding, “FabLab aims to help foster educators and entrepreneurs who are recognized across many Central Asian countries, beyond Kyrgyzstan.”

FabLab Bishkek plans to introduce metal 3D printers capable of producing small industrial items and 3D printer equipment specialized for jewelry production next year, as well as new educational programs in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.