Melding Medical & 3D Printing: Stratasys as Benefactor & Partner in Creating Center of Excellence with Jacobs Institute

Stratasys has stamped an indelible mark on the world as one of the leading manufacturers of 3D printers, materials, and solutions, with little to no hesitation in momentum since they started out 27 years ago. We follow the tech titan on virtually a daily basis as they create one milestone after another, whether it’s a massive new invention or a smaller niche innovation on the fashion front, for example, to inspirational programs allowing students to use free educational modules via Stratasys or building excitement surrounding their newest machine, such as the J750 multi-material 3D printer. This is a company with a seriously strong history that continues only to make more—and often today that is also happening with a growing list of substantial collaborations.

Now, Stratasys has announced a new partner, in the form of the New York-based Jacobs Institute (JI)—and they have excellence in mind as they team up to see 3D printing as the catalyst for numerous innovative medical applications in the future.

Indeed, together they will form a Center of Excellence where Stratasys will bring their many years of experience and resulting 3D printing technology to the table for both developing and testing a range of new prototypes and models that will in the future evolve into 3D printed medical devices. The goal is to see these models and devices in the clinical atmosphere for training, education, and assistance.

Stratasys and the Jacobs Institute expect the results of their efforts to make a positive impact on a variety of audiences, however, with the COE benefitting many as it serves as a referral center for those considering forging ahead with their own 3D printing labs. And they’ve certainly hit the nail on the head for offering support, as many are interested in getting started. While it may be easy to purchase a 3D printer—or five or twenty-five—we’ve followed cases, for example, in the university atmosphere, where organization is key, as well as mapping out a plan for who will be using the machinery and for what.

Hillary Clinton examining vascular model produced on a Stratasys Objet500 Connex3 3D Printer with Dr. Adnan H. Siddiqui, Chief Medical Officer, The Jacobs Institute [Photo: Business Wire]

“This announcement with the Jacobs Institute is an important milestone, marking the first time we are formally partnering with a medical organization to explore the exciting opportunities of 3D printing and healthcare,” said Scott Rader, General Manager, Medical Solutions, Stratasys. “Stratasys brings decades of experience to the Jacobs Institute, a leader in 3D printed models, to push the boundaries of how these models can be used to train the next generation of physicians, and test new devices.”

The Jacobs Institute certainly could not have created a better partnership, as experts from Stratasys will be on hand for collaborating in studies—both technical and clinical—that integrate 3D printing applications. Very importantly, it has been revealed that the tech titan will also be offering financial backing for important research and development projects. Without a doubt, we’ll be following closely to see what vital projects are born from this level of teamwork, which undeniably will benefit others, and perhaps many around the world, following in the general trend of 3D printing and medical research. Discuss in the Stratasys Partners with Jacobs Institute for Medical 3D Printing forum over at 3DPB.com.

Vascular testing model used to validate new medical devices that treat brain aneurysms, produced on the Stratasys Objet500 Connex3 3D Printer [Photo: Business Wire]