【3D Printing News】MIT Launch Uses 3D Printing to Foster Entrepreneurial Skills
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. Each summer, the school accepts two groups of 80 students for a four-week
immersive experience, learning how to take a startup from concept to market.
A student group presenting their product. Credit: @LaunchSummer on Twitter
Ambitious high school students aged 14 to 17 are interested in learning all the valuable lessons that provide them with inspiration for ideation, production, and marketing.
Mariah Ramos, Partnerships Manager at MIT Launch, stated that the prototyping and 3D printing process allows for seamless creation of minimum viable products, enabling each team to gather 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 seeking real 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-evolving world of technology.
Products developed by a group of MIT Launch students, making 3D printing more accessible to the public.
Prototyping Creative Solutions
Mariah said MIT Launch's primary goal is to bring entrepreneurial education to high school students worldwide.
She explained: "We want schools to empower students to come up with 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 wish to instill. Mariah stated that selecting an easy-to-use and affordable 3D printer was crucial, which led to their final decision to use Ultimaker.
Swift Product Testing with Ultimaker
When MIT Launch staff integrated 3D printers into the program, speed, product quality, and safety were all important considerations.
Ultimaker not only provided an affordable solution, giving students the opportunity to print in their high schools and homes, but also provided them with the 3D printing knowledge needed to embark on their entrepreneurial journey.
Fisheye lens set up by students. Credit: Nate Houston
Mariah says that by incorporating the latest 3D printing technology into the program, students discover their abilities and are excited to be able to start their own companies while still in high school. Rapid product production on Ultimaker legitimizes their ability to be entrepreneurs, especially at such a young age.
Using Ultimaker, many were able to develop an initial prototype in the first week of the program.
If they succeed in helping students find their passion early on, the MIT Launch team will know how to guide future learners, taking an important first step towards success in the business world.
Solving Real-World Problems
One of the 160 participants in the MIT-developed program stated that he was interested in the summer program because it offered an opportunity to do and build real things, and to solve problems for people of his generation.
The student team created a device called Optic, which can be used to help visually impaired individuals read and learn Braille, with the aim of increasing employment opportunities for the blind.
Products developed by MIT students make it easier for the visually impaired to learn Braille.
Throughout the process, using Ultimaker allowed the team to identify problems with the original product and quickly make revisions. Through 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 very 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 very happy 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 development clubs that offer students the same learning experience, as well as 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 idea behind MIT Launch is to understand the infinite possibilities of 3D printing, and it also hopes to open the door to philanthropy.
Visit our website to learn 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