Interview with Tendai Pasipanodya on Integrating 3D Printing with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals

Tendai Pasipanodya

It is interesting to note there are ideas of integrating 3D printing with UN’s SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and that it can be a useful tool to enhance or drive them. This interview discusses one concept already taking shape in this regard. We talk to Tendai Pasipanodya, who takes us through the concept which her organization, Endeva, which is based in Berlin, Germany, is pursuing.

 Can you tell us about your involvement in 3D printing and Additive manufacturing?

As background here is a bit about Endeva and me.

• I strongly believe success in business is not about selling products and services, it’s about solving problems. If you do this in a way that makes sense to someone they will agree to give you money for that
• Thus, the work I do at Endeva is centered around tackling the development challenges of today by building the business ideas of the future
• We do this successfully by combing several tools
  • Inclusive innovation: Using innovation as a lever; innovation can come from tech, from retro innovation, frugal innovation ultimately it is all about innovation that is inclusive.
  • Systems change the approach we work with the entire ecosystem that supports and engages with businesses.
  • Creating links and building dynamic and productive partnerships to achieve a shared objective.
• So to answer your question. One of the most important initiatives at endeva is ii2030. This is the general insight on the event,

Endeva held an event on June 5 and 6 in Berlin called “inclusive innovation 2030” or “ii2030” The interactive event identified business opportunities that leverage technology to achieve the UN’s Social Development Goals (SDGs). We thought HP would be a great fit for the 3D printing track that will explore how we can make additive manufacturing more circular and inclusive in the low and middle income countries. During the event we looked at the current ecosystem and identify solutions. What made our event unique is that it was more than just an event. We have proved our initiative can go on to create partnerships that actually implement the solutions we create! The event used a combination of design thinking and systems change methodology. It’s fun and impactful and could open up interesting new business opportunities. From the 3D printing sector we had BigRep GmbH and Reflow participating in the program. BigRep produces large scale printers while Reflow produces filament from PET waste.

BigRep 3D Printer

What special projects or works have you done or are currently developing in the 3D printing landscape?

We held the event I mention above ii2030 and 2 interesting ideas came out that we are pursuing. We are developing these 2 concepts with our alliance of partners for Inclusive and Circular Additive Manufacturing. One focuses on enabling Maker Spaces in Africa to become more successful and the other is a Publication on what waste streams can be used to print. In the latter case, we also looking at existing waste streams and which plastics are available and not being used to do anything. We also look at which types of plastic can be a useful waste stream to make AM feedstock.

ii2030 participants

How do you see your concept influence the promotion of 3D printing and Additive manufacturing?

The first step is to help hubs be even more effective at helping entrepreneurs unlock business models. Then move on to local production of filament from waste and also printed items can be Broken down and reused.

How do you see 3D Printing and Additive manufacturing influence on growth and Development in Africa?

• Localizing production increasing value addition

• Cornerstone of next industrial revolution

• Important that Africa think of the future of manufacturing and the opportunities it provides to leapfrog

• Great opportunity for which we should get prepared

• Education designing in 3D, business and entrepreneurs understand the potential and advantages so they can identify use cases/opportunities, technical and hardware building from e waste, repair maintenance.