Ground Broken On New Technology Center At Cal State Northridge

NORTHRIDGE, CA -- Software and telecommunications company Autodesk has shared a video of an extended reality (XR) walkthrough animation to coincide with the company's recent groundbreaking ceremony for the new Autodesk Technology Engagement Center at Cal State Northridge.

The 32,000-square-foot facility would support research labs and other endeavors essential to the university's College of Engineering and Computer Science while serving as the new home of the Global HSI Equity Innovation Hub, which aims to increase underserved communities’ participation in the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics) fields over time.

Autodesk CEO Andrew Anagnost was instrumental in organizing a $5 million gift to CSUN, which is his alma mater.

“In the world of technology, it is common to celebrate the ‘lone’ genius or inventor, but most of us know intuitively that no one rises alone,” Anagnost said. “That’s why Autodesk stands behind Cal State Northridge and its efforts to build a deeper connection to the communities outside the University."

"And because CSUN is one of the largest Hispanic-Serving Institutions in the country, he added, "those connections are critical.”

CSUN President Erika Beck said that the Autodesk Technology Engagement Center would be powered by cutting-edge technology to expand regional P-12 outreach in STEAM educational pathways and advance innovative design and research, including labs for engineering, prototype creation, pre-manufacture and iterative design.

"Their support is helping us create a more equitable and inclusive academic community that supports the success of our students," Beck remarked.

CSUN has said that it expects the $25 million project to open in 2024.