BGSU breaks ground on state-of-the-art Technology Engineering Innovation Center

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – With longstanding ABET-accredited programs in applied engineering, Bowling Green State University is building for the future with the state-of-the-art Technology Engineering Innovation Center to house its newly reimagined degrees in robotics engineering, electronics and computer engineering and mechanical and manufacturing engineering.

While construction began this summer, the University held the official groundbreaking during its Homecoming celebration to highlight the renovation and expansion of the existing Technology Building, originally built in 1971.

Set for completion in spring 2026, the Technology Engineering Innovation Center will add 24,000 square feet to the current structure for seven specialized labs with flexible spaces to support high-tech equipment, tools and innovative learning.

“As a public university for the public good, Bowling Green State University is continuously looking to ensure our academic programs are relevant for the 21st century, creating opportunities for our students and meeting critical workforce needs for our state,” BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said. “This facility will support our growing engineering programs and advanced technologies, providing our students with state-of-the-art facilities, learning experiences and opportunities to ensure they’re ready for career and life.”

The facility will include collaborative spaces to support experiential learning alongside BGSU School of Engineering faculty, alumni and industry professionals. 

“Our students will enjoy a larger facility that allows them to use the latest technologies and advanced equipment – the same equipment they will use in their future careers,” said Dr. Wael Mokhtar, dean of the College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering. “The building's design will allow the right tools to be inside the labs, whether it be virtual reality, semiconductors or robotics, giving students hands-on experiences with the latest technology and advanced equipment they will encounter in the workforce."

Supporting Ohio's long history of global leadership in manufacturing, the Technology Engineering Innovation Center will bolster the University's engineering programs while supporting the state's evolving advanced manufacturing sector.

“Here in Ohio, we build cars, drive agriculture and work in energy fields. However, industries and old-time manufacturing that required manual labor are disappearing and are being replaced by automation and robotic applications,” Mokhtar said. “This new facility will also allow industry partners to send their employees to BGSU for upskilling. Those partners will also lean heavily on our students during co-ops and internships. Our students will enter the workforce prepared and familiar with the technology, programs and machinery used in the real world.”

Following the conclusion of BGSU Campus Master Plan 1.0 in 2022, the Technology Engineering Innovation Center marks the start of work in the University's science, technology, engineering and mathematics corridor under the newly launched Master Plan 2024.

“We're taking an adaptive approach with this facility, as technology ebbs and flows and new equipment is needed,” said Kristi Peiffer, associate director of campus construction. “We wanted to be able to adapt and allow for maximum flexibility for the future. This new space will not only have today’s most advanced equipment and technology, but the physical space and infrastructure will allow for our engineering programs to change and evolve as needed.”

Located adjacent to the newly opened Kokosing Hall, home to the School of the Built Environment and named after Kokosing, Inc., highlighting the importance of industry collaboration, the Technology Engineering Innovation Center will encourage collaboration with industry and create a sense of belonging for students.

“Something important with this project, beyond adding seven labs and dedicated faculty space for the School of Engineering, was creating a 'front door' to engineering education,” Peiffer said. “We wanted a sense of entry and belonging for everyone within the College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering. This new facility will offer that with increased visibility into classrooms and labs to spark curiosity, conversation and ideas to allow for student growth.”