Future‑Builders Hub Opens New Chapter at CSUF

A new three‑story center is rising next to the engineering complex on Cal State Fullerton’s campus, aimed at turning classroom ideas into real tech solutions. The 42, 000‑square‑foot building will open in fall 2027 and hosts labs for GPS systems, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, AI, drones, and bio‑tech, plus a 120‑seat room for projects and talks. The space is designed to grow with the school’s increasing enrollment and to give students hands‑on experience that goes beyond exams. It encourages engineers, computer scientists, faculty and industry partners to work together in a shared environment that breaks down old divisions. “It’s about learning by doing, ” the dean said, adding that the hub will help students tackle global challenges instead of just technical puzzles.Funding for the $85 million project comes from donors, alumni and community partners who see a future where students create, test and lead innovations. One key supporter, a former CSUF computer‑science student who now runs GE Digital, emphasized that the hub will act as a magnet for local businesses and the broader Orange County area. During a celebration of construction milestones, students and faculty wrote inspirational notes on a steel column beside the building. A 21‑year‑old mechanical‑engineering student, who has designed her own prosthetic arm, highlighted how the hub will let students like her collaborate on research and bring ideas to life. She also noted that the center is more than a new building; it’s a place where future innovators can discover their potential. The project marks a shift in how the university prepares engineers and computer scientists, aiming to boost Orange County’s status as a technology leader while offering students real‑world problem‑solving opportunities.