Metalab
METALAB is an urban development laboratory that founded POLE — a research and product design center for innovation and sustainable development where the heritage of traditional crafts harmoniously coexists with modern technologies and equipment
The team at METALAB shared a vision of bringing makers, scientists, artists and businesses together into a comprehensive and supportive ecosystem. To achieve this, we created POLE, an ecosystem for the growth of ideas, knowledge, products, and the professional community. The 1000+ m² space includes workshops and R&D offices, laboratories, coworking spaces, and a space for events and community building.
POLE plays a vital role in building community, stimulating innovation, supporting local businesses, and promoting sustainable development in the region. The principles of circular economy and universal design are at our core.
We work with a wide range of materials, including:
- bio-based materials such as kombucha, hemp, and mycelium;
- recycled plastics; cement and concrete with secondary raw materials;
- plastics like PLA and PETG;
- clay and other minerals;
- ABS+, nylon, TPU;
- ferrous and non-ferrous metals;
- wood.
At POLE, you can set up small-scale production, rent equipment, learn how to work with it, and experiment, prototype, and test new products.
Our role in the project
METALAB is shaping Ukrainian cities and communities around social equality, cultural diversity, comfortable spaces, and environmentally conscious economies. As the Ukrainian hosting partner in the LAUDS consortium, METALAB leads the implementation of local activities in Ukraine.
In Open Call #2, METALAB is leading two agriculture and food-related challenges:
- Advancing Urban Sustainability Through Community-Based Green Education and Cultivation Systems.
- Local Production of Affordable and Sustainable Materials for Agriculture.
We are particularly proud to host the agricultural challenges within Ukraine, one of the world's leading agricultural nations. It ranks among the top three global exporters of grains and oilseeds, with over 70% of its territory designated as agricultural land. For us, connecting material innovation with food systems is not just relevant; it is vital for long-term recovery and resilience. With this setup, we aim to enhance the LAUDS network through practical experimentation, local insights, and a strong commitment to regenerative innovation.
Our expertise
Our expertise spans sustainability, community development, affordable housing, and product design — uniting people with shared values to create inclusive, resilient environments.
METALAB provides local infrastructure, curates challenges, and mentors hybrid teams at the crossroads of design, ecology, and social resilience. Our experience from a war-impacted region offers insights into how production ecosystems can adapt and regenerate.
Services at POLE include:
- Product design and functional, aesthetic object creation
- Engineering design and prototyping
- Small-scale production (1–500 units)
- Biolab research and material innovation
-Technology and process development
Our five specialised workshops and biolab are equipped for wood, metal, ceramics, textiles, electronics, 3D printing, and advanced material experiments. This diversity allows us to merge materials, technologies, and disciplines to achieve both creative and technical excellence.
Enthusiasm drives us, creativity is our language, and we help bold ideas gain shape, purpose, and impact.
