HARTFORD – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) announced on Friday that MakeHaven of New Haven is this month’s “Murphy’s Innovator of the Month.” In March 2012, a small group of residents from the New Haven area pooled donations, tools, and volunteer time to establish MakeHaven – a nonprofit gathering place and shared workshop where artists, inventors and entrepreneurs can attend learning workshops, collaborate on projects, and connect with other entrepreneurs. The space is equipped with 3-D printers, woodworking machines, electronics workbenches, sewing machines, brewing equipment, multiple laser cutting machines, two Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) mills and many other tools. MakeHaven’s 160 members work on interest-driven projects in mechanics, electronics, metalworking, crafts, sewing, art and woodworking. They enjoy 24-hour access to the workshop, as well as access to learning sessions where members teach each other skills and how to use the tools.

Membership at MakeHaven is growing fast. The nonprofit is set to move up the street from their current 3,000 square foot workshop to an 8,000 square foot facility on Chapel Street. They will add new machinery and capabilities to their new space, and intend to eventually rent out studios to maker startups and artists. MakeHaven partners with other organizations to empower makers from different backgrounds. For instance, they partner with the VA Connecticut Healthcare System to ensure that veterans have access to the workshop. They also provide scholarships to low-income makers. MakeHaven hosts a variety of events for community members of any skill level, and holds open houses every Tuesday evening (except on national holidays).

“MakeHaven is a hub for innovation. Some of the best and brightest minds are coming together there to share ideas and create,” said Murphy. “The future of our economy is directly tied to the innovative and creative work they do. I hope my work in Washington to boost entrepreneurship is helping them make a difference.”

J.R. Logan, Chief Maker at MakeHaven, said, “I love when the lightbulb goes off and people recognize that they personally have the power to build something amazing. Too often everyday experience with technology has left people feeling powerless. MakeHaven removes the mystery of technology and breaks the barriers of access to tools, so people can make almost anything. I am proud what our volunteers and members have done at MakeHaven to help others unleash their innovative potential.”

Murphy believes entrepreneurship and innovation are building blocks for a strong economy. In the U.S. Senate, he has introduced two bipartisan pieces of legislation to incentivize angel investors to put more money into startup companies – the Angel Tax Credit Act and the Helping Angels Lead Our Startups (HALOS) Act. Last month, Murphy’s HALOS Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives. Startup companies create an average of 2 million jobs each year.