The exhibition and award ceremony of the eighth edition of the 3D Pioneers Challenge was a highlight of Rapid.Tech 3D in Erfurt.
The exhibits ranged from large-scale 3D printing of architectural elements to complete e-cars art objects. Visitors could watch a robotic arm print a dress or discover 3D printed materials from eggshells to oysters. They could get active themselves and take a closer look at printed electronics on the nanoscale at the microscope and thus experience first-hand what 3D printing makes possible.
The 3D Pioneers Challenge has established itself as one of the most important competitions in the 3D printing industry. Entries from 29 countries and 5 continents were submitted, 43 made it into the exhibition. The finalists and award winners had travelled to Erfurt at the beginning of May from Europe, America, Tunisia, Singapore and Australia.
The tension was palpable as the 10 winners were announced on the second day of the fair and the prizes were awarded by jury members and partners of the 3DPC.
The focus of this year’s Challenge was: RESILIENCE. NOW. Advanced Technologies to enable a sustainable tomorrow.
What could be more in line with this topic than the main prize winner in “MedTech” MATTISSE from France. These totally resorbable 3D printed implants allowing a natural, simple and risk-free breast reconstruction after cancer could positively change the lives of millions of women after a cancer diagnosis.
In total, prizes worth over 185,000 euros were awarded. These included software licences from nTopology and 3YOURMIND, coaching for the “Best Start-Up”, and 3D printers from Ultimaker, Asiga and Makerbot. Partner Autodesk awarded 3 Special Mention. The prize money of 35,000 euros was provided by the Thuringian Ministry of Economic Affairs Science and Digital Society.
The award ceremony and exhibition of the 3D Pioneers Challenge was an impressive event that once again showed the potential of 3D printing and how innovative the industry is. It was impressive to see how the pioneers and innovators are resiliently shaping a sustainable tomorrow.
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