About

Thinkin' Rocks is a prototyping ecosystem. We maintain spaces where people build AI systems, robotics projects, XR applications, embedded devices, and experimental hardware—the kind of stuff that needs actual equipment and other builders around.

Most technical education teaches theory. Labs are locked behind bureaucracy. Makerspaces have basic equipment. Hardware startups can't afford gear until funding arrives. Researchers work in isolation. Hackathon projects die on Monday. We saw people with skills and drive but nowhere to actually build serious tech.

So we made a place where the default is "yes, try it." Where you can start on Tuesday and have a working prototype by Friday. Where breaking things is learning, and someone in the room has probably solved your exact problem before. Equipment is shared, knowledge transfer is built in, and access comes from showing up and contributing. We also run Nerd Outs—sessions where people share what they're obsessed with, whether it's a circuit they debugged for weeks or an algorithm that won't leave their head.

We're located at Startup Sauna at Aalto University, second floor. Join our Telegram chat, come to a build session, start working on something. That's how it works.

People working with biosensing
Lab Interior
People working with FPGAs
Workspace View
Lab Interior
Lab Space
Main Workspace
Hardware & Storage Area
Chill Area

Developers exploring biosensing in the lab, experimenting with OpenBCI and EmotiBit hardware during a session led by Yerzhan Zhamashev (March 2026)

Backed by people who get it:

Industry partners and universities support the lab with equipment, knowledge, and connections to real-world challenges. This lets builders access industry-grade hardware and stay connected to the broader technology ecosystem. Check out our hardware page to see what's available.

The people who keep this place running:

Milana

Milana Begantsova

tg: @foxivil

Yerzhan

Yerzhan Zhamashev

tg: @yerzham

Alex

Alex Osadchuk

tg: @alexocc

Daniyar

Daniyar Bakytuly

tg: @UhOhOhNo

Arthur

Artur Roos

tg: @ktnlvr

Vlad

Vlad Borodenko

tg: @VladyslavBM

Karim

Karim Nicolae Costan

tg: @Goldixan

Viktor

Viktor Solianoi

tg: @srviktorian

FAQ

How do I join?

Join our Telegram chat, introduce yourself, and come by the lab. Start working on something. Access deepens as you build.

What can I build here?

AI experiments, robotics systems, hardware prototypes, research projects, creative technology. Priority goes to active, collaborative projects that share knowledge with the community.

Does it cost anything?

Basic participation is free. For intensive equipment use or long-term projects, we may ask for contributions to cover maintenance. We keep barriers low while maintaining sustainability.

Can I find collaborators?

Yes. Many arrive without a team and find one here. Skills overlap, ideas collide, unexpected things emerge. The Telegram chat and build sessions are where collaboration starts.

When are workshops held?

Regularly. Structured trainings on specific tools, open build nights where everyone works on their own projects. Both matter. Check Telegram for schedules.

How do I stay updated?

Join the Telegram chat. Events, workshops, and spontaneous build sessions are announced there. It's also where questions get answered and ideas find collaborators.