Got a $100.000 idea for the 3D4D Challenge?
Do you have a transformational idea that could leverage 3D printing technologies to deliver real social benefits in the developing world? Would you welcome the chance to work with great people to develop your idea further? Better still, could your idea steal the $100,000 prize in our international challenge? You think so? Well, then you have to enter the 3D4D challenge. We had a talk with Rosie Wilson, the Project Manager of the 3D4D Challenge, who’s researching and coordinating the challenge.
What is the aim of the 3D4D challenge?
Rosie Wilson: «The 3D4D Challenge aims to unearth new ground-breaking ideas that exploit developments in 3D printing, mobile phone based scanning technology and web based design applications to improve the incomes and livelihoods of people in developing countries. Techfortrade is funding a $100k prize to enable the winning entry to be implemented. »
Who’s behind the 3D4D challenge?
Rosie Wilson: «William Hoyle is the founding Chief Executive of techfortrade and decided to look into 3D printing for social benefit after finding an article on the subject in the Economist. William explains, “Accessibility of this technology is just happening so incredibly fast. 2012 could be the year when we see the breakthrough of the 3d printer as a consumer appliance.”
I researched how 3D printing was being used in developing countries and I also work on the 3D4D Challenge. »
Video: William Hoyle talking about the 3D4D challenge at The Guardian Activate Summit 2012.
Why 3D printing?
Rosie Wilson: « In the course of our research, we considered the role that technology might play in enabling other small rural producers to access markets for their produce and as a result, we started to investigate developments in the field of 3D Printing technology and the idea for the 3D4D Challenge was born!
The Challenge aims to find transformational uses for additive technology that deliver real social benefit in the developing world. We want to encourage collaboration between the ‘tech’ community and individuals and organizations trying to address major social challenges in the developing world. »
Can you give an example of possible entries?
Rosie Wilson: « Project A: Converting rubbish in Gaza strip to useful educational tools which can used to help kids in primary schools.
Project B: A small-scale, easy to manufacture/assemble robotic greenhouse which uses an Arduino board (locally fabricated using either 3D printing or milling) to maintain an optimal internal environment and water/feed the plants growing inside as necessary.
Project C: To create and deploy the first off-grid 3D printing setup, capable of starting with waste plastic bags and producing tools for small-holder farmers to reduce their carbon footprint while improving their yield.
Project D: In India 70% of the public have to defecate outside. The project is to have a panel design made to re-use plastics scrap mostly generated from e-waste and convert them to fusible, 3D printable material to enable locals to make their own toilets with the panels made ready to assemble. »
Who can join and what is the deadline?
Rosie Wilson: « Anyone can apply to the challenge. They can be working on an early stage idea or have a fully developed concept but the applicant must can clearly and in detail state in their project concept how their idea could help to relieve poverty sustainably in a developing community.
The deadline in the 31st July so there is still time to submit an entry! »
How many people have submitted an idea so far?
Rosie Wilson: « We have had around 40 applications and a number of people still working on their applications. »
What will be presented at the 3D Print Show in London?
Rosie Wilson: « Finalists will be invited to the exciting 3D print Show in October. Visitors to the show on the 19th will have the opportunity to watch short video pitches by the finalists and vote for their favorite idea, with the results of the vote impacting the judges’ final decision, then the winning announcement and award presentation will be made at the show’s exclusive VIP event taking place during the evening of Friday 19th October. »
Hypothetically speaking, when do you think the winning idea could become tangible?
Rosie Wilson: « This really depends on the concept but we hope to start working with the winner of the challenge after the final event and implement it as soon as possible. »
Anything you’d like to add?
Rosie Wilson: « There is still time to apply to the 3D4D Challenge and we would love to hear your ideas. Please sign up here. You can also follow our progress on Facebook and Twitter. »
www.3d4dchallenge.org
