Celebrating Women in Creativity: The Success of "ELEGOO With Her" Initiative

Elegoo, a fast-growing brand in the global smart manufacturing sector, has officially concluded the first phase of its inspiring initiative, "ELEGOO With Her." Launched at the Formnext 2024 event, this program aims to foster and spotlight women creators across various fields such as home decor, fashion, cosplay, and education through the innovative use of 3D printing technology.

Over the course of this initiative, more than 110 women from 17 countries applied, with 30 participants selected to engage in a three-month series of workshops and mentorship sessions. The remarkable aspect of this program is that more than 70% of these women were new to 3D printing, highlighting the initiative's mission to make this technology accessible to everyone.

The program was guided by a panel of eight accomplished female designers and makers: Anouk Wipprecht, Batoul al-Rashdan, Brigitte Kock, Denise Bertacchi, Emily Boe, Linette Manuel, Shehzeen Rehman, and Willow Creative. Together, they not only provided technical training but also mentored participants to develop their unique projects.

Among the impressive creations produced during this phase were educational STEM kits designed to empower girls in Africa and intricate 3D-printed lamps drawing inspiration from early 20th-century design principles. These projects showcased the creative potential inherent in 3D printing and emphasized how technology can be used to challenge norms and foster creativity.

One of the participants, Janet Zagah, who is a renewable energy entrepreneur, expressed her excitement about the program, saying, "I remember how excited I was when I printed my first benchy. The hands-on workshops, mentorship, and community provided me with the skills and confidence I needed to build and lead." This sentiment reflects the transformative impact of the program not just on skill development, but on personal growth and empowerment.

Kinnera Putti, a mobile developer, echoed similar sentiments, stating, "Having an inclusive program run by a company as big as Elegoo is powerful. I hope others see what we've made and feel inspired to try something too." These testimonies highlight the importance of inclusivity and support in creative fields, particularly for women who often face barriers to entry in technology and design disciplines.

Coco Lee, Elegoo's Brand Director, commented on the initiative's impact, stating, "We've always believed 3D printing should be accessible to everyone, and these projects show just how powerful it can be when women challenge themselves through this technology." Her words emphasize Elegoo’s commitment to democratizing technology and fostering creativity without boundaries.

As this chapter of "ELEGOO With Her" concludes, the journey does not end here. Elegoo has made all workshop content publicly available on their YouTube channel, allowing anyone interested in 3D printing to benefit from the knowledge and skills shared. Additionally, the next showcase of participants’ work is set to take place at the IFA Berlin in September, aiming to inspire even more women to explore creative avenues through technology.

Elegoo, founded in 2015, has become an important player in the smart manufacturing industry, specializing in the research, development, and sales of consumer-grade 3D printers, laser engravers, and STEM kits. With its headquarters in Shenzhen, China, Elegoo has a track record of selling millions of products in over 100 countries and has consistently demonstrated its focus on enhancing user experience through innovative tech solutions.

As we reflect on this exciting initiative, it becomes clear that programs like "ELEGOO With Her" not only highlight the incredible talents of women creators around the world but also serve as a reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion in creative technologies. This program paves the way for future initiatives aimed at empowering women, encouraging them to lead, create, and inspire others in the ever-evolving landscape of technology and design.