FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, October 19, 2026

SYDNEY, N.S. – The Cape Breton Partnership, Island Sandbox at Cape Breton University, and the Nova Scotia Department of Economic Development are proud to be partnering on the Design Cube, a project to encourage and enable creative design, technical skills and entrepreneurship in rural communities across Unama’ki – Cape Breton.

The Design Cube project is a combined software-hardware platform that delivers free community access to digital fabrication tools and access to a unique social media platform that connects builder entrepreneurs and creators across Unama’ki – Cape Breton.

“The Design Cube project is an exciting opportunity for Unama’ki – Cape Breton residents to familiarize themselves with these digital fabrication tools and to potentially start a local business selling the items that they are producing,” says Tyler Cole, Economic Development Officer with the Cape Breton Partnership. “Over the coming months, we look forward to making regular visits to the Design Cube host sites around the Island with a team of advisors and experts, as we look to guide Cube users into becoming entrepreneurs.”

The Cube device holds digital fabrication tools, including a 3D printer, laser cutter, and Cricut device, that are housed on a custom framework and linked to a specially developed social media platform. Mentoring and sharing encouraged by the Cube App enables users across Unama’ki – Cape Breton to learn how to use these tools at home and then visit a local library or community centre to prototype their designs, connect with other program participants, and access entrepreneurial supports to turn their new skills into a business. The program is generously funded by the Department of Economic Development through the Community Economic Development Fund, and it allows users over the age of 16 to participate in the Design Cube program free of charge.

On Saturday, October 24, from 11a.m. to 3 p.m., Cape Breton University will be hosting their annual Open House event, which will include an opportunity to see a Design Cube prototype, learn more about the project, and meet the Design Cube team.

Todd Graham, the Coordinator of the Island Sandbox, is very excited about this project, and expects creative and entrepreneurial people across Unama’ki – Cape Breton to contribute and collaborate. “We intend to connect people in rural communities who will engage and share their ideas with our Cube App, helping each other and leaning on CBU’s mentor support to bring some wonderful ideas to life using the production tools in the Cube,” says Todd.

The Design Cube prototypes, designed and supported by the Island Sandbox at Cape Breton University, are currently available for use in the following four locations around the Island, with an additional Cube coming soon:

• Baddeck Public Library – 520 Chebucto Street, Baddeck
• Glace Bay Library – 143 Commercial Street, Glace Bay
• La Picasse – 3435 Highway 206, Sampson Cove
• Whycocomagh Public Library – 9650 Highway 105, Whycocomagh

To learn more about the Design Cube project, visit: thedesigncube.ca

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Michaela Epifano

Communications Manager

Michaela@capebretonpartnership.com

902-562-0122

About the Cape Breton Partnership:

The Cape Breton Partnership is Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s private sector-led economic development organization that supports companies and entrepreneurs by promoting our Island as a great place to live, work, and invest; growing a culture that values and celebrates creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship; and connecting entrepreneurs and companies to the resources they need to succeed. For more information, visit https://capebretonpartnership.com/.