Castomize was born out of a personal experience when one of the Co-Founders, Mao, fractured his arm during a mountain climbing trip. This led to the idea of using 4D printing to create innovative orthopaedic casts that would improve the traditional casting experience.
4D printing is a process where a 3D printed object can transform into another structure with the help of external stimuli like temperature or light. Castomize, a pre-revenue SUTD spin-off, has made significant progress in developing 4D printed orthopaedic casts and is gearing up for commercialization by early 2023.
The journey began in 2017 as a student project aimed at creating a better cast using 3D printing techniques. After a few years of dormancy, the team revisited the idea in early 2022 with the help of a patent and a research grant. Despite initial challenges, the team persevered and made breakthroughs in developing a functional 4D-printed cast that garnered interest at various exhibitions.
With mentorship and guidance from programmes like SMU’s Business Innovations Generator, Castomize has made strides in product development and market penetration. They are now preparing to raise funds for manufacturing and expanding their team to further revolutionize orthopaedic care with 4D printing technology.
Overall, Castomize’s journey showcases the potential of 4D printing in transforming not just orthopaedic care but also other industries like packaging and veterinary care. Their goal is to continue innovating and exploring new applications of this technology in the future.
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