3D printing technology has proved to be game changing in the manufacturing space. There is no doubt that 3D printing is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry across the globe at a fast pace that will further accelerate growth. The major impact that the technology has created remains in the US with nearly 40% of the market share. However, other developing and developed nations like Japan, Germany, China, South Korea are also looking to advance their use of 3D printing technology as it has the potential to transform the economy.

India is not far behind as the Indian market proves to be a promising avenue for 3D printing technology. Many startups, makerspaces as well as edu-tech companies like 3Dexter have come up in India to promote the widespread use of 3D printing technology. Schools in India are already looking towards promoting this valuable skill among its students. A few schools have already incorporated a 3D printing course in their curriculum and the students are benefiting from the practical knowledge transfer sessions. However, IIT Hyderabad will be the first higher education institution in India to provide a course on 3D printing technology. Institute of Industrial Design provides a 24-hour course on 3D printing. 3D printing technology is lacking the push needed in the Indian higher educational institutions. The technology has diverse applications in a myriad of fields like food, healthcare, industrial production, aviation, etc. 3D printing technology has been widely accepted across the globe and therefore it is critical to teach students in India about this skill as it will become a necessary skill for the industry in the coming years.

3D printing technology is already transforming the face of production with new design concepts, printing of large scale objects, mass manufacturing, customised creations and design testing. Schools and universities in India increasingly want students to leave their campuses equipped with digital skills such as 3D printing so that they are able to compete in a workforce that is highly skilled and engaged in digital technology across the globe. However, this is not possible without the help of government policy reforms as well as the promoters of 3D printing technology in India. This is where edu-tech startups like 3Dexter pitch in. They provide a holistic course in 3D printing across schools and colleges which is assisted by mentors who design the course curriculum, take students’ sessions as well as perform assessment and evaluation. They are even keen to train the current teachers of the institution in 3D printing so that the schools and colleges can be self-sufficient in future.

3D printing has certainly heated up on campus and it is time for India to march in.