Cisco Tech Stories - ep 39 - Inside ThingQubator Soldering Benches

In this episode Marcin, leader of the ThinkCubator in Krakow, describes a creative tech space at Cisco where people learn electronics, 3D printing and hardware prototyping.

The space includes soldering stations (training required), measurement tools, power supplies, modules, cables and many 3D printers. Projects range from air-quality sensors and badge readers to ruggedized Raspberry Pi tools.

Highlighted is a DEF CON–style conference badge built around an ESP32 with e-ink and TFT displays that can be enhanced at ThinkCubator with a microphone, speaker and AI assistant. The incubator promotes reuse, hands-on learning, collaboration across roles, and practical prototyping for real-world use.