$3 Million Grant Provided to Universities For 3D Printing Research

When it comes to new technologies, which promise to change our lives in more ways than are imaginable, there is no better way to ensure that a country stays at the forefront of progress within these technologies, than through education. Additive manufacturing is often called the ‘3rd Industrial Revolution’, because of the fact that it will do just that, revolutionize industry, and change the way we manufacture, for the better. For a country like the United States to remain one of the world’s top manufacturers, we need to invest in new technologies which will increase productivity and efficiency. That technology, without a doubt is 3D printing, and the first place to start investing in, is through our younger generations.

This is why 3D Systems, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and ‘America Makes’ have teamed up to offer $3 million in grants to two Pennsylvanian schools. As a part of this public-private partnership, $1 million will be provided to each Carnegie Mellon and Lehigh University for the development of medical instrumentation and devices, among other products, via additive manufacturing techniques. Additionally, up to another $1 million will be provided to both colleges as private industry in-kind contributions.

“These institutions’ proposals and project concepts were groundbreaking,” said Jim Williams, 3DS’ Vice President for Aerospace and Defense. “With these grants, CMU and Lehigh will not only be making key contributions to the medical and scientific communities, but fostering technological innovation throughout Pennsylvania as well. We are delighted to support this effort.”

The funding will be used for at least 13 different projects within both Pennsylvanian colleges, and hopefully provide students with the necessary monetary backing to learn about and provide innovative new applications with additive manufacturing. The announcement was made by Governor Tom Corbett at 3D Systems’ facility in Langhorne, Pennsylvania.

“Pennsylvania is known for making products for the world, and to remain competitive, we must ensure our policies support the technology and innovation of the 21st century,” said the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Governor Tom Corbett. “By supporting this collaborative initiative, we will tap the best and brightest from two of Pennsylvania’s many prestigious universities to help our manufacturers remain leaders in the global economy.”

The exact breakdown as to where the funding for the grants have come from was not released, however, the funding will certainly go a long way for these schools, as well as the State of Pennsylvania, and America in general. Let’s hope we see similar efforts in other states as well.

Let’s hear your thoughts on this awesome news in the 3D printing grant forum thread on 3DPB.com.