On 11 May 2024, the “3D Printing in STEM” Hackathon took place at Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University. The event was organised by the Innovation Hub of Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University, with the Center for Conversion and Professional Adaptation (CCPA) acting as a co-organising partner, and was held with the support of BGV Group Management.
The hackathon became the starting point for a broader series of technology hackathons and competitions planned throughout the year.
The main goal of the event was to stimulate students’ interest in STEM disciplines, develop creative and critical thinking, and support talented school teams in turning their ideas into practical technological solutions.
A total of 17 teams from Zhytomyr and the region passed the preliminary selection stage, with 5 teams taking part in the final hackathon.
During the event, participants attended lectures and mentoring sessions. Experienced engineers from the university’s Innovation Hub helped the teams improve their project models and prepare them for 3D printing. This mentoring support enabled the participants to move from an initial idea to a physical prototype and present their solutions during the final pitch session.
The teams proposed 3D models or concept designs aimed at making learning more engaging, interactive and practical. Their solutions were designed to help students better understand complex topics across different school subjects.
The projects presented during the hackathon included:
A scaled model of a smart house;
An optical device for measuring the angle between two visible objects;
A 3D model of a rose flower;
Interactive 3D models of mathematical function graphs;
A 3D model of a hydroelectric power plant with replaceable turbines.
The teams competed for the main prize — a 3D printer and a PET plastic recycling unit provided by MechLab 3D.
The winners of the hackathon were:
1st place — the team with the project “Interactive 3D Models of Mathematical Function Graphs.”
2nd place — the team with the project “A Scaled Model of a Smart House.”
3rd place — the team with the project “Creating a 3D Model of a Rose Flower.”
For CCPA, participation in this event reflects its commitment to supporting youth innovation, STEM education and practical formats that help young people move from abstract learning to hands-on technological creation.
The hackathon demonstrated that 3D printing can become a powerful educational tool — not only for engineering, but also for mathematics, physics, biology and other STEM disciplines. It also created a foundation for new student projects, future research initiatives and the development of technology-oriented startup ideas.
