The company Stratasys is famous for supporting and promoting of innovations all around the world. A good example of its activities is creating the first MakerBot Innovation Center in Asia Pacific. The institution is attached to The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and its aim is to provide students with all the equipment, knowledge and skillsets necessary to bring their ideas to life. It is worth to remember, that Stratasys is the bigger manufacturer of 3D printers in the world, and that MakerBot has been a part of it since 2013. The creators of the Center delcare, that it will help young researchers and innovators to increase their products and give a better chance to succeed on a volatile job market.
PolyU is not the first university which benefits from this idea. You can find similar Centers at another universities. More than half a dozen Centers have previously been set up at leading US universities. But this is the first Innovation Center to open its doors in the Asia Pacific region and, like the others, is fully equipped to assist students in acquiring skillsets and pioneering ideas.
Every institution of this kind is a “technological incubator” packed with MakerBot 3D printers and accompanying software platforms that concentrate 3D printing resources and knowledge in one location. It is opened to all departments, students and staff members.
Establishing of the Centre has a key influence on career and education of students:
By introducing the MakerBot Innovation Center, we strive to integrate digital design and 3D printing in the students’ curriculum, enriching their learning experiences whilst enhancing their career readiness. The MakerBot Innovation Center allows broader access to 3D printing and inspires creativity, which is well aligned with the university’s mission. Students from different faculties and schools are invited to experience the 3D printing journey
Professor H.C. Man, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU
Stratasys Asia Pacific is of the opinion, that crating of such a Center at the university, it more than only learning some usable tricks and developing he ability to make a few quick prototypes. The economy and job market are changing rapidly and the 21st century digital making skills are becoming increasingly crucial for young graduates.