Josef Průša has been awarded the Czech Medal of Merit.
The founder of Prusa Research and developer of the i3 3D printer design has accomplished an incredible amount over the past ten years. Multiple new machines have been developed and sold worldwide in massive quantities, enabling businesses to grow with the technology. He’s viewed as one of Czechia’s most famous entrepreneurs.
Prusa Research is one of the largest 3D printer manufacturers on the planet, and as such has become very notable in Czechia. The company’s PrusaSlicer software, provided in open source format, has become the industry standard for 3D print job preparation — and has been the base for similar software from other companies. That work also includes a massive emergency effort during the pandemic to produce hundreds of thousands of 3D printed protective shields.
Because of all these achievements, he’s been awarded a medal from the Czech government. Novinky writes:
“President Petr Pavel awarded him the Medal of Merit, and according to the head of state, Průša significantly contributed to the development of 3D printing, its popularization and accessibility to the general public, and contributed to the state in the economic field.”
Recognition of 3D print achievements outside of the industry is relatively rare, as most people still don’t really understand the technology. This award means that at least one government does indeed realize the importance of the technology.
There are countless others that have strongly contributed to the development and growth of 3D print technology, and perhaps some time they will also be recognized.
Via Novinky (Czech) and LinkedIn
