Microsoft to shut down its flagship Garage maker spaces and revamp hackathons
Microsoft announced it will wind down The Garage, its global network of employee maker spaces, with some locations closing as early as October 23.
Microsoft disclosed that The Garage, a network of maker spaces where staff prototype hardware and software, will be wound down as a centralized function, with closures beginning on October 23. The flagship Redmond location and roughly 15 regional sites across the US, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia will cease operations, prompting a redesign of the company’s annual hackathon. An internal FAQ states the goal is to embed the experimental culture into regular team activities rather than dedicated spaces.
The Garage has produced notable projects over 17 years, including the Seeing AI app, Mouse Without Borders, and the Xbox Adaptive Controller. The announcement comes amid broader cost-saving measures, including the earlier shutdown of the employee library and a modest headcount decline. Microsoft says it remains committed to fostering innovation in new formats.
Why it matters
The closure ends a key venue for employee innovation, signaling a shift in how Microsoft will nurture internal creativity.
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