That answer remains to be seen, but it is safe to say that 3D printing will play a key role for small businesses and entrepreneurs looking to innovate and “tinker” with relatively low overhead costs. As key patents that have prevented competition in the market expire early next year, 3D printing’s potential will greatly increase.
Area businesses and entrepreneurs who want to learn more about 3D printing are invited to two special area events, which will feature live demonstrations. Hosted by the Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center (ESEC), the events are presented as part of Baltimore Innovation Week, which will be held September 20 to 29.
The events will be held at hotDesks, 31901 Tri-County Way, Salisbury, and include:
- Monday, September 23, 8 to 10 a.m., Salisbury TechBreakfast Meetup
The inaugural TechBreakfast on the Eastern Shore, this event will bring together entrepreneurs, techies, developers, designers, business people, and interested people for a 3D printing “show and tell” and networking.
- Wednesday, September 25, 5 to 7 p.m., 3D Manufacturing Open House
Participants will network with others interested in 3D printing and manufacturing. Featured guests include students and faculty from Towson University’s Object Lab who will do a “show and tell” on Makerbot® printers. In addition, representatives from Stratasys will demonstrate 3D printing machines appropriate for larger prototype and manufacturing uses. There will be a presentation by an area manufacturer who uses 3D (additive) manufacturing in its production.
“Manufacturing still plays an important role in the U.S. economy, but it is more about innovation and trade, and less about jobs,” says Mike Thielke, executive director of ESEC. “The days of massive factories employing thousands of workers is gone. In fact, many of the jobs that today’s manufacturing creates don’t involve making goods at all, but are in technology, IT and R & D. Innovations such as 3D printing will help mold the emerging new manufacturing industry,” he adds. To learn more about Innovation Week events, call (410) 770-9330 or visit ventureahead.org.
Baltimore Innovation Week is a week-long celebration of technology and innovation in Baltimore. The annual week of events is intended to grow the impact of this innovative region through programming focused on technology, collaboration and improving Baltimore. Baltimore Innovation Week 2013 takes place September 20 to 29, 2013. Baltimore Innovation Week is organized by Technical.ly Baltimore.
Founded in 2006, the Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center works to develop and enhance an entrepreneurial ecosystem on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. ESEC provides training; services and programs to help business owners and entrepreneurs succeed by creating greater access to capital, and offering programs that develop entrepreneurial skills and knowledge. Included are NewVenture, a comprehensive 10-week entrepreneur-training program, annual business plan and student plan competitions, and an annual entrepreneur conference.
In 2012, ESEC launched “hotDesks,” providing co-working spaces for independent professionals. The first location opened in Salisbury with a second location to be announced on the Eastern Shore. For more information on the business plan competition or ESEC, call (410) 770-9330, ventureahead.org or connect with ESEC at facebook.com/ESECventureahead.
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