The technology charity Techfortrade has announced the finalists for the inaugural 3D4D Challenge. The challenge aims at finding the best ideas for using 3D printing to help deliver social benefits in the developing world.
The challenge received entries from around the world and the judges have now selected seven finalists out of all the entries.
The selected ideas include:
- 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
- Solar lamps created from used plastic Coke bottles using 3D printed ‘bottle caps’ and attachments for the charger, battery and PCB components.
- Off-grid 3D printing system, which recycles plastic bags to produce tools for local farmers
All finalists will receive $1000 in order to develop their projects and have access to expert mentors in the run up to the competition final.
The winner will be announced at the 3D Printshow on 19 October. Techfortrade will award the winner a prize of $100.000 to enable the winning concept to be implemented.
UPDATE:
The finalists and their projects are listed below:
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 which 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.
Source: 3d4dchallenge