We’re thrilled to introduce Blue Garage, the UK’s largest makerspace — and one of the most exciting additions to Insider London’s company visit portfolio. Located in Lewisham, Southeast London, Blue Garage is not just another workspace; it’s a creative powerhouse where ideas are turned into reality.
What Is a Makerspace?
A makerspace is a collaborative environment where people with shared interests — particularly in science, technology, engineering, art, and design — can meet to work on projects, share knowledge, and use specialised equipment. What sets Blue Garage apart is its unique model: ideas begin as prototypes, developed on-site by engineers and designers, and once perfected, they move into full-scale factory production for industry orders.
Blue Garage takes this concept to the next level by combining industrial-scale tools, flexible workspace, and business support — all under one roof.
The Story Behind Blue Garage
Blue Garage was founded by Michael Korn, a Cambridge and Royal College of Art graduate who previously built KwickScreen, an innovative portable, retractable hospital screens system supplied to healthcare systems globally; to every NHS trust, over 250 hospitals in the US, and to over 15 different countries. His own struggles as a hardware entrepreneur inspired him to create the kind of place he wished had existed — a supportive, collaborative environment that bridges the gap between prototype and production.
The 38,000 sq ft facility includes high-end fabrication equipment, from CNC routers to 3D printers and textile labs, as well as coworking studios and assembly areas. It’s a unique ecosystem that removes the barriers many innovators face — such as limited space, lack of funding, or access to industrial tools — enabling startups to grow without leaving London.
Why Blue Garage Matters for Innovation
Blue Garage tackles one of the toughest challenges in product development — turning great ideas into scalable businesses. Often, early-stage startups face what’s known as the “valley of death,” when prototypes stall before reaching the market. Blue Garage provides the infrastructure and mentorship to overcome this stage, making it a vital part of the UK’s innovation ecosystem.
Members here include cutting-edge companies such as Teslasuit (creating haptic feedback wearables), Plumis (fire safety technology), and Nodum (EV charging solutions). This mix of industries shows how engineering, design, and entrepreneurship come together to drive progress in sustainability, manufacturing, and tech.
A Perfect Visit for Engineering and Design Students
Our visit to Blue Garage offers an exceptional opportunity for engineering, design, and entrepreneurship students to see innovation in action. Participants gain first-hand insight into the creative process — from concept to prototype — and explore how collaboration and technology shape new solutions.
Workshops and discussions with the Blue Garage team highlight how makerspaces can fuel green innovation, local economic growth, and a new wave of hands-on learning. Whether you’re interested in product design, industrial engineering, or business innovation, Blue Garage provides a real-world perspective on how ideas come to life.
Join Us
At Insider London, we’re proud to showcase the spaces where creativity meets technology. A visit to Blue Garage reveals not just machines and materials, but a thriving community of thinkers and makers reshaping London’s innovation landscape.
To learn more or to arrange a visit, contact us at contact@insiderlondon.com or visit our company visits page.