MyMiniFactory, a London-based 3D printable model sharing platform, has announced the winners of the Hope3D Design Competition.
In partnership with Snapmaker, Hope3D, a crowdsourcing platform for humanitarian 3D printing projects, integrated the UN Sustainable Development Goals of 2030 to find 3D printable environmental and education solutions.
The three winning entries from its competition included a portable energy generator, a modular robotic system car, and a hydroponic garden/farm system.
“There are some great entries in the competition that tackle a variety of global challenges faced today. I could envision each project as a successful initiative on Hope3D, and I look forward to collaborating with some of the contestants,” said Sam Suchin, Founder of Hope3D.
“The winning entries identified a significant issue and produced solutions towards a sustainable future. I’m very excited to continue developing Hope3D with such an amazing community.”
The Ina Light
Of the hundreds of entries, taking first place in the 45-day competition is Okpamen Jimklien Obasogie, a social entrepreneur and Mechanical Engineering student from Landmark University, Nigeria. Obasogie and a team of four sought to support the 7th UN Sustainability Goal of Affordable and Clean Energy by developing a solution that converts heat to clean electricity.
Thus came the Ina Lite, a lightweight, portable, thermoelectric generator solution for off-the-grid use. According to the team, approximately 622.6 million Africans lack access to electricity, with 80 million of this population being Nigerians. The Ina Lite, converts heat from domestic activities such as cooking to electricity using the thermoelectric generator. The energy is then channeled to a USB port producing 10-15 Watts of electricity for charging mobile phones and LED lights.
Furthermore, the Ina Lite, designed using Fusion 360, optimizes sustainability and the production of clean electricity. Obasogie added, “Regardless of this lack of power supply, local households and street food vendors generate heat from domestic activities like cooking, lighting and keeping warm using fuels like charcoal, firewood, kerosene and the likes unaware that heat could be converted to electricity.”
As the winner, Obasogie will receive a Snapmaker 3-in-1 3D printer. Previously, Obasogie and his team presented at the Commonwealth Centre, Hult Prize International, and Four Points by Sheraton.
A SMARS car
Kevin Thomas, a Swiss management engineering student placed second in the competition with his Screwless Modular Assemblable Robotic System (SMARS) car. This invention addresses the 4th UN Sustainability Goal of “quality education, helping to prepare youth and adults with skills for future employment or entrepreneurship.”
The robotics system is optimized for 3D printing, eliminating the need for screws and major supports and is designed to encourage beginner robotics enthusiasts with limited resources. Thomas shared that as a child he sought out a similar solution to learn from.
As the runner up, Thomas will receive a V20 Cordless Brushless 2 Tool Combo Kit from Craftsman.
A 3D printed garden
Alex Rodriguez, an Orlando-based lawyer, placed third for his Modular Hydroponic Garden/Farm System. This invention aims to contribute to the 15th UN Sustainable Development Goals of “Life on Land, to promote fair and equitable sharing of resources.”
The Modular Hydroponic System enables anyone with a 3D printer to begin farming homegrown food and even possibly start a small business. Rodriguez explained, “I felt a deep desire to leave a large, lasting, positive impact on the world. This deep desire mixed with some influences from Henry David Theroux, Jaques Fresco, Justice Scalia, Elon Musk, among others, led me to where I am today with this project.”
As a result, the Hydroponic Garden/Farm has already been downloaded and 3D printed by individuals in Cambodia.
Rodriguez will get a Versastack System Tower also offered by Craftsman for placing third.
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Featured image shows the Ina Lite generator. Photo via MyMiniFactory/Okpamen Jimklien Obasogie.
