Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship
Community Lab Venture Space
A flexible, supportive space designed for ventures ready to take the next step.
Community Lab Venture Space
A flexible, supportive space designed for ventures ready to take the next step.
The Community Lab (Co-Lab) is a community of Brown and RISD student entrepreneurs developing new ventures that are creating high-impact and scalable solutions to a diverse range of problems. The Co-Lab is the Nelson Center’s collaborative venture space — a hub where student entrepreneurs connect, create, and launch bold ideas. Designed for teamwork and experimentation, the Co-Lab offers 24/7 access, dedicated workspaces, and resources to help ventures grow.
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Focused collaboration in one of Co-Lab’s cozy workspaces.
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An open space for ventures and conversations.
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Big ideas often start with a messy whiteboard.
Who Can Apply
- Open to Brown University students actively working on ventures with at least one current Brown founder.
- RISD students collaborating on ventures with Brown founders are welcome to participate.
What You Get
Workspace
Dedicated workspace for your venture on the 3rd floor of the Nelson Center
24/7 Access
24-hour building access for flexible working hours, including weekends
Mentorship
Sector-specific mentoring and guidance
Networking
Access to a network of alumni, industry leaders, venture capitalists, and more
Venture Expectations
- Daily use of the space is expected; if you can no longer commit, please notify staff promptly.
- Respect and maintain cleanliness in your workspace and shared areas.
- Secure all personal belongings; the Center is not responsible for lost items.
- Failure to meet expectations may result in revocation of space for the semester.
- Participate in monthly workshops and events.
Want to Join the Co-Lab?
- Applications open each semester; space is limited and competitive.
- Application covers space for the current semester only; renewal requires reapplication.
- Adding new team members after application requires approval.
- As a Co-Lab member, you represent the Nelson Center and may be asked to attend events and workshops.
Co-Lab is more than a workspace—it’s a community. Students collaborate, share insights, and support each other through workshops, networking events, and informal meetups designed to energize your venture journey.
If you have an inquiry or any other questions, please reach out to us at entrepreneurship@brown.edu.