SXSW Panel: Makers changing the world, one creation at a time

As the maker movement continues to build momentum, social good businesses are on the rise and offering solutions to real-world problems. Many are getting their starts at places like TechShop, a popular makerspace with locations nationwide including one in Round Rock. Projects range from life-saving infant baby warmers from companies like Embrace to 3D printing at the International Space Station.

Takeaways:

“Done is better than perfect,” says Hahna Alexander of Sole Power when talking about making protypes for your ideas. Sole Power offers shoe insoles that generate power when worn and offer a solution to sustainable energy. The company currently has contracts with the U.S. Army. Soldiers often carry about 20 lbs. of backup battery with them out in the field, Alexander says.

TechShop also has public/private partnerships including one with the Veteran Affairs Center for Innovation. Veterans are offered free memberships to TechShop, which enable veterans to take training classes and transition into civilian life. Many veterans have become entrepreneurs, starting businesses making the things they create at TechShop.

Dara Dotz of Building Resilency took a three-week trip to Haiti and ended up staying for months after seeing the struggles that clinics were having accessing medical supplies, long after the devastating earthquake.  “Most people have forgotten about Haiti,” Dotz says.

She helped bring a 3D printer to Haiti, which can create custom medical supplies without having to ship anything. She’s also behind the 3D printer at the International Space Station that’s giving astronauts the ability to have access to tools they might need while on their missions.

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