Seven finalists shortlisted for global 3D4D challenge, celebrating innovation in aid of developing countries

London 7th September 2012 – London-based technology charity, techfortrade, is delighted to reveal the finalists of The 3D4D Challenge. The seven final entries were selected after a rigorous judging process based on their innovation and proposed use of 3D printing technology to improve the incomes and livelihoods of people in developing countries.

The international competition attracted a diverse range of entries from around the world – including those from North and South America, Europe, Asia, and East and West Africa.

Each of the finalists will receive $1000 and access to expert mentors in order to develop their projects in the run up to the competition final, which will take place at this year’s 3D Printshow on Friday 19th October. Finalists will pre-record short video pitches which will be available to view at the show and online so that the general public can vote for their favourite entries. The contestants will then be invited to give live presentations of their projects to selected guests, after which the judging panel will choose a winner.

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.

techfortrade will award the winner a prize of $100,000 to enable the winning concept to be implemented.  The charity envisages that the event will also generate additional interest to attract other offers of funding for both the winning project and the other finalists.

“The standard of entries for the 3D4D Challenge has been exceptional, especially as this is the first time we’ve done this,” said William Hoyle, CEO of techfortrade. “The judging process was tough and we are certain the finalists will help to inspire future innovation.”