Stratasys´ MakerBot Inovation Center Hits Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Stratasys Asia Pacific, a subsidiary of Stratasys Ltd., the 3D printing and additive manufacturing solutions company, is pleased to announce the first MakerBot Innovation Center in Asia Pacific at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). The center will equip students with required skillsets for future career development in today’s rapidly evolving job market. PolyU is joining a growing number of leading universities across the globe that hosts a MakerBot Innovation Center to empower students to invent and innovate.

The establishment of the MakerBot Innovation Center at the University teaching and research facilities in 3D Printing at PolyU signifies a unique opportunity for students, faculty and staff members to create an atmosphere of collaboration and learn about 3D printing, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

“By introducing the MakerBot Innovation Center, we strive to integrate digital design and 3D printing in the students’ curriculum, enriching their learning experiences whilst enhancing their career readiness,” said Professor H.C. Man, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU. “The MakerBot Innovation Center allows broader access to 3D printing and inspires creativity, which is well aligned with the university’s mission.  Students from different faculties and schools are invited to experience the 3D printing journey.”

A MakerBot Innovation Center is a large-scale 3D printing installation designed to empower universities and organizations to innovate faster, collaborate better, and compete more effectively. These Centers are centralized, scalable 3D printing hubs with large clusters of MakerBot 3D Printers that concentrate 3D printing resources and knowledge in one centralized location with easy access to everyone.

As the economy and the job market are changing, we note that 3D printing is becoming a popular tool to teach 21st century skills that employers are looking for, such as STEAM literacy, collaboration, problem-solving and applying knowledge to the real world. 3D printing enables students to tackle real-world problems in clear, tangible ways — at any grade level. With MakerBot, students can master the same technology that is driving the jobs of tomorrow.

“PolyU has always been a pioneer in advocating advanced technologies such as additive manufacturing (also known as 3D printing),” said Shiry Saar, General Manager of MakerBot APJ.  “We are excited to see the first MakerBot Innovation Center in Asia at PolyU, offering their students an advantage in the job market after graduation. Reports indicate that learning from trials, working collaboratively across disciplines and managing a product from concept to a physical product are skills that employers are looking for.  We look forward to seeing the new ideas that the access to 3D printing in PolyU inspires.”