During Earth Day, we wanted to create a special contest to see if someone could help come up with a great idea to unite the 3D printing community together with an impact-the-earth driven project. Then, we would bring this idea to life.
The basis was this: We have hundreds of thousands of 3D printer users around the world. Let's put these machines to good use and make something together for the betterment of this planet. That would be powerful. That is the basis of a movement.
As entries poured through, little did we know we would soon come across Sam Suchin, a 15 year old with the same mission. He inspired us and hopefully, this inspires you.
It was at this time, I understood the power of what this kid was trying to pull off — and it aligned very well with our mission. He kept at it, gave me progress updates, and has now launched Hope3D, which uses crowdsourcing 3D printing to help solve worldwide medical, environmental, and socioeconomic problems. Their mission is to improve the world through 3D printing and that's just what he is doing.
This is the second design of the coral reef. Hope3D felt that the original design was not innovative enough and did not fully utilize the full capabilities that 3D printing offered. However, the new design is very efficient and tackles the common problems encountered with implementing artificial coral reefs.
So, I encourage anyone that has a 3D printer sitting at their home, workspace, or in the classroom, to participate in this environmental-changing project by helping to 3D print out a part or to donate to a great cause.
Hope3D has already engaged 214 makers and has printed 386 parts. Let's keep the momentum going!
Sam, you are a true passion and mission-driven person. Keep up the great work. Robo is behind you 100%.