Seven finalists have been shortlisted for the global 3D4D Challenge – techfortrade’s first charity 3D printing challenge – to promote and celebrate innovation in aid of developing countries by using 3D printing technology to help combat poverty and/or increase self-sufficiency in such places.
London, UK based technology charity techfortrade recently announced the finalists of The 3D4D Challenge, all of whom were selected after a tough round of judging, according to their level of innovation and projected impact for aiding people in developing countries — through the use of 3D printing technology.
Candidates for the 3D4D Challenge entered the competition from across the globe, including entries from North and South America, Europe, Asia, and East and West Africa.
All of the finalists have been awarded $1000 each as well as access to expert mentors, in order to progress their individual projects for the final competition, which will be held at this year’s 3D Print Show on October 19, 2012. Prior to their final project live presentation in front of selected guests, the contestants will record short video pitches, which will be available for the public to view and cast votes.
Here is the list of the seven finalists with brief description of their projects:
Re-Char WOOF (Washington Open Object Fabricators), Bethany Weeks and Luke Iseman, USA
- An off-grid 3D printing system, which recycles plastic bags to produce tools for local farmers.
Boris Kogan, Israel/US
- A small scale, easy-to-manufacture and assemble robotic greenhouse that will enable local communities to produce good food with ease, even in the most difficult environmental conditions.
Climate Connected Benefit Society, ColaLights, Edmund Bell-King and Cornell Jackson, UK
- Solar lamps created from used plastic Coke bottles using 3D printed ‘bottle caps’ and attachments for the charger, battery and PCB components. These lights will replace expensive and dangerous kerosene ones to use in rural areas throughout India.
Fripp Design and Research, Tom Fripp and Steve Roberts, UK
- The use of 3D printing technology to enable the developing world to rapidly manufacture soft tissue prosthesis, at minimal expense.
The EN3D Project, JF Brandon, Canada
- A simple, 3D printed solar tracker that is more efficient, cheaper and easier to manufacture than existing models, which will provide sustainable solar electricity to local communities.
Roy Ombatti, Kenya
- Specially designed 3D printed shoes produced from recycled plastic to be worn by individuals suffering from foot deformities due to the growing problem of jigger fly infestation – in order to prevent further deterioration.
Just 3D Printing, Suchismita and Jayant Pai, India
- Providing young entrepreneurs and students access to 3D printers using material recycled from disused plastic bottles, in order to encourage innovation.
While every single one of these are worthy finalists, the overall winner of the 3D4D Challenge will be awarded significant prize money — $100,000 — by techfortrade in order to implement the winning project. One of the aims of hosting this charity event is that it will shine a spotlight on some spectacular 3D printing innovation garnering attention for the winner and the other finalists in order to attract alternative funding offers.
According to William Hoyle, CEO of techfortrade, “The standard of entries for the 3D4D Challenge have been exceptional, especially as this is the first time we’ve done this. The judging process was tough and we are certain the finalists will help to inspire future innovation.”
We at 3DPrintingIndustry.com wish the finalists the very best of luck and will report the results after the final event, which takes place 19th October.
About techfortrade:
techfortrade’s mission is to improve the incomes and livelihoods of small producers in some of the poorest world economies, by increasing opportunities to trade and to reduce the cost of production. Its approach is to act as a catalyst for technology enabled trading, supporting national and international market access for small producers.
For more information about techfortrade, go to techfortrade.org
