【3D Printing News】MIT Launch Uses 3D Printing to Foster Entrepreneurship
As a renowned institution, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology strives to prepare students for a world rich with entrepreneurship.
A 2015 report found that businesses created by MIT graduates employ over 4 million people, and about 40% of MIT founders
end up starting more than one company.
Eager to give young minds the tools they need for success early on, the school's summer program for high school students—
MIT Launch—aims to embolden tomorrow's innovators with today's emerging tech skills like 3D printing.
Empowering Students to Build Startups
MIT Launch, located at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is a program for high school students interested in entrepreneurship. Every summer, the school accepts two groups of 80 students for a four-week
immersive experience,
where they learn how to take a startup from concept to market.
A student group presenting their product. Credit: @LaunchSummer on Twitter
Students aged 14 to 17, ambitious high schoolers, are interested in understanding all the valued courses that provide them with inspiration in terms of ideas, production, and marketing.
Mariah Ramos, Partnerships Manager at MIT Launch, stated that the prototyping and 3D printing process makes it seamless to create minimum viable products, allowing each team to collect valuable customer data with minimal effort.
"Our goal is to help students design product prototypes so they can test them in the market as quickly as possible."
By pursuing authentic customer feedback and product testing, students have the opportunity to effectively pivot or optimize their solutions.
This hands-on program encourages rapid product design and testing, inspiring students to stay ahead in the fast-developing world of technology.
Products developed by a group of MIT Launch students, making 3D printing more accessible to the public.
Prototyping Innovative Solutions
Mariah said MIT Launch's primary goal is to bring entrepreneurship education to high school students worldwide.
She explained, "We want schools to empower students to propose innovative solutions to the world's problems." Those working on the program found 3D printing technology to be the perfect tool for students to achieve success.
3D printing encourages students to become entrepreneurs, empowering them at the high school age to prototype their own future.
MIT Launch participants setting up a camera on an Ultimaker. Credit: Nate Houston
The 3D printing process helps students make early adjustments and tests, further enhancing the entrepreneurial mindset they hope to instill.
Mariah stated that the process of selecting an easy-to-use and affordable 3D printer was crucial, which also influenced their final decision to use Ultimaker.
Swift Product Testing with Ultimaker
When MIT Launch integrated 3D printers into its program, speed, product quality, and safety were all important.
Ultimaker not only provided an affordable solution, allowing students the opportunity to print at their high schools and homes, but also offered the 3D printing knowledge they needed to embark on their entrepreneurial journey.
Fisheye lens set up by students. Credit: Nate Houston
Mariah said that incorporating the latest 3D printing technology into the program allowed students to discover their capabilities, and they were excited to be able to start their own startups in high school. The rapid production of products on Ultimaker legitimized the ability to become an entrepreneur, especially at such a young age.
Using Ultimaker, many were able to develop an initial prototype within the first week of the program.
If they successfully help students find their passion early on, the MIT Launch team will know how to guide future learners, an important first step towards success in the business world.
Solving Real-World Problems
One of the 160 MIT Launch participants said he was interested in the summer program because it offered an opportunity to do and build real things, and solve problems for people of his generation.
The student team created a device called Optic, which can be used to help visually impaired people read and learn Braille, with the aim of increasing employment opportunities for the blind.
A product developed by MIT Launch students to make it easier for the visually impaired to learn Braille.
Throughout the process, using Ultimaker allowed the team to identify issues with the original product and make quick modifications. Through the 3D printing and testing phases, they discovered flaws in the process and were able to observe the product from a consumer perspective.
This was also a useful tool for collaboration. Students said: "We are aspiring entrepreneurs from different walks of life."
However, this program brought us together from all over the world, and we were excited to share our ideas and spirit with like-minded students.
We hope to inspire the best in students and make the changes they want to see in the world!
In addition to the summer program, MIT also has a Launch club, providing students with the same learning experience, and an online course called LaunchX, which guides entrepreneurs through the process of starting their own companies.
By challenging students and encouraging innovative technologies, Launch is undoubtedly ready to face future challenges.
The intention behind MIT Launch is to understand the infinite possibilities of 3D printing and to open doors for philanthropic endeavors.
Visit our website to read more stories about 3D printing applications in education.
Original source: https://ultimaker.com/en/stories/50793-entrepreneurship-at-mit-launch-3d-printing-for-the-future