3D Printing Design Award for Solidarity
Open-source design addressing real needs.
The international jury has completed its evaluation of the submitted projects. Two systems were awarded for their approach to 3D printing as a means of local production: essential, reproducible solutions designed for emergency situations. Three additional projects received honourable mentions of equal standing.
Results published on 1 November 2026
An open-source kit for making emergency crutches using two 3D-printed components combined with tubes, branches or handles available locally.
Why it was selected. PROP clearly reflects the award's guiding principle: print only what is necessary while making use of local resources. The simplicity and replaceability of its parts, together with its limited logistical footprint, make the proposal particularly relevant to humanitarian assistance.
A portable container for collecting needles and other sharp medical waste during field assistance, with a belt or pocket attachment and a sliding opening.
Why it was selected. It addresses a concrete operational problem: making the collection of potentially hazardous materials safer where healthcare facilities are inadequate. Its wearable format and dedicated closure demonstrate attention to everyday use.
The jury also recognised three proposals, different in scope and approach, for their potential usefulness in humanitarian settings.
A compact first-aid container made of three replaceable parts with a rotating opening mechanism. Notable for its portability, organisation and ease of maintenance.
A passive ventilation system for tents, designed to improve air circulation and limit condensation and water ingress. A simple response to an often-overlooked shelter need.
A single-piece, quick-closing clip designed to secure tarpaulins and flexible materials. The project also explores a potential first-aid application for temporarily bringing the edges of a wound together. Its simple mechanism and single-piece printing make it easy to reproduce.
How the projects were evaluated. The jury considered practical usefulness, printability and reproducibility, robustness and repairability, ease of use, and suitability for humanitarian settings. The scores shown are the averages of the five jurors' assessments.
Jury:
Different perspectives, one shared aim: selecting ideas that can move beyond the prototype and make a real difference.
The reasons given are editorial summaries based on the documented features of the projects and the award criteria; they are not statements by individual jurors. Selection does not constitute technical or medical certification of the devices.
Organised by Ánako APS in collaboration with Prusa Research, the award aims to demonstrate how open-source design and 3D printing can help produce useful tools where conventional manufacturing and distribution face obstacles. Selected projects may undergo further development and testing during a field pilot phase.
