High-tech hub for fun and innovation opens in Springfield

by Kyran Nigro, Ben Breen

SPRINGFIELD, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) – Many rural communities around Vermont don’t have the technology or money to keep up with new innovation – but one non-profit hopes a new facility will give Vermonters a chance.

Black River Innovation Campus just opened VRmont Studios, which is a hands-on STEAM – or science, technology, engineering, arts, and technology – hub in downtown Springfield.

The new location is described as an interactive museum featuring everything from VR escape rooms to a game development studio. The 5,000-square-foot facility also features a 3D printer and a laser cutter alongside computers for learning technology skills.

The opening was originally announced for November – but after repeated delays due to everything from heating issues to a leaky roof, VRmont Studios finally opened on Thursday.

BRIC’s deputy director, Chris Maggiolo, told us they’re hoping to bring rural students and people into an industry that usually focuses on major cities. “It’s really meant to be a space where rural communities can experience these emerging technologies, can prepare for changes in career pathways or really just come in and have fun.” He said that the VR escape rooms are available for booking with groups of up to five people, with scenarios including a wizard’s tower and an underwater temple.

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Springfield nonprofit opens new facility with virtual reality challenges and STEAM education labs

The Black River Innovation Campus is eager to introduce new technology to students and the local community

by Lindsay Jones

SPRINGFIELD, Vt. —

The Black River Innovation Campus, a Springfield nonprofit, has opened a new facility called VRmont.

The organization's new studio space has virtual reality escape rooms, a drone sports arena, a STEAM education lab and a computer lab for students to learn about digital design.

According to the nonprofit's deputy director Chris Maggiolo, the group will host summer camps and after-school programs in the space, but he said he hopes it will become a hub for the entire community to come learn.

The project has been in the works for a year, and he said he is excited to finally share it with others.

"To be able to hear the exclamations of joy as they're walking through some of these puzzles to hear them communicating, it's really what the space is meant to be. This is meant to be a showcase that technology and these opportunities are available for rural communities. It's not just something that happens in big cities and so to have that here in Springfield, it's just really validating," said Maggiolo.

Virtual reality studio opens in Springfield

by Connor Ullathorne

SPRINGFIELD, Vt. (WCAX) - A puzzle in space, while in a new space. VRmont Studios opened up its new studio on Thursday in Springfield. They’re not just about VR tech; they’ve got a new makerspace coming, and they’re hoping it helps revitalize the downtown area.

Their open house featured multiple virtual reality arenas for people to tackle virtual escape rooms.

Josie Michaud is the business manager for VRmont Studios. “Build up teamwork and collaboration skills, which you have to use if you successfully complete an escape room,” said Michaud.

Virtual reality is a computer-generated 3D environment.

She says the studio does have something for everyone of all ages.

“So far, I haven’t met anyone who has no idea, no entry point into it,” said Michaud.

I got a first-hand look at what happens inside the space, and the games and puzzles guests will see under the lens.

The studio is partnered with the black river innovation campus, a Springfield organization, to help local students gain interest in STEAM careers, science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

VRmont came about as our brand for STEAM education and workforce programs working with students and community members, building awareness for emerging careers," said Chris Maggiolo of Black River Innovation Campus.

But while the VR arena is a big hit, the space also features a drone soccer setup as well as a makerspace.

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The Kind of Grand Opening that Changes a Town: VRmont Studios

by Jess Willis

I don’t usually write about grand openings — because most don’t really feel grand to me. Full of good intentions? Always. Full of hope? Absolutely. Worth supporting locally? Of course. But write about it? Rarely. 

That is, until this weekend.

In a local building that I’ve watched slowly come back to life, Black River Innovation Campus held a Grand Opening for their newest project @VRmont Studios, Vermont’s first (and only) destination for virtual reality, drone sports, and STEAM education, right here in Springfield, Vermont.  My initial instinct was to pop in solo to congratulate the team, but instead I opted for the real test: an unplanned Willis family adventure with my four kids (5, 8, 9, and 11) to see how they’d interact with the space.

One hour later — they didn’t want to leave.

From a VR escape room we are still gushing over, to a drone soccer demo, to exploring a maker-space with 3D printers, laser cutters, and LEGO robotics, there was truly something for everyone. Watching my kids try something brand new, collaborate, laugh, and problem-solve together in what is practically our backyard was so powerful.  It was also a great reminder of what experiences like this make possible. It’s exactly the kind of energy that’s making this small Vermont town of mine feel alive and full of momentum again. I’m still completely blown away that this resource now exists in walking distance from our house!

This wasn’t just a fun afternoon (though it was absolutely a total blast with my kids). It felt more like a sign - a proof point for the revival efforts taking place an the people and vision behind them.  It is learning that feels exciting, and creativity that I can already envision developing into real skills and future opportunities for our kids. 

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VRmont Studios lets learners blow off some STEAM through virtual reality

From Mountain Times

A new technology and learning hub is opening in downtown Springfield, offering hands-on experiences in virtual reality, robotics, game development, and more.

Black River Innovation Campus (BRIC) has announced the launch of VRmont Studios, a 5,000-square-foot immersive technology and STEAM education center located at 23–25 Main Street.

Designed to serve learners of all ages, VRmont Studios blends education, workforce development, and interactive entertainment to expand access to emerging technologies in rural Vermont. The space is built around experiential learning, encouraging creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving.

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Josie at Springfield Rotary Club

Written by Martin Cohn of Springfield Rotary Club

SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – Members of the Springfield Rotary Club welcomed Josie Michaud, operations manager for VRmont Studios, located at 23-25 Main Street in Springfield, as the featured speaker at a recent weekly meeting, where she shared an inside look at Vermont’s growing media and innovation ecosystem.

Michaud spoke about VRmont Studios, a program of the Black River Innovation Campus in Springfield, which provides professional video, audio, and digital media services, while also serving as a training and workforce development initiative. Through hands-on learning and real-world projects, VRmont Studios helps participants develop technical skills, confidence, and pathways to employment in the creative and digital economy.

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