Swati Suman is a dedicated professional with a passion for education, skill development, and social impact.
With a strong background in learning experience design and training, she has made significant contributions as a co-founder of The Art of Making Foundation. This social enterprise aims to revamp trends in higher education and foster innovation through its various programs.
Swati’s expertise lies in leveraging industry 4.0 technologies and rapid prototyping to create engaging learning experiences. As an EdTech startup hustler, she has successfully built an e-learning platform offering courses in 3D designing and printing, empowering students and educators to enhance their skills in this emerging field. Her curriculum design prowess and instructional design expertise have been instrumental in developing captivating content, including videos, quizzes, and activities.
Swati, could you let us know briefly about your background and your journey into Additive Manufacturing?
Certainly! I have a diverse background with a strong focus on research and education. My journey into Additive Manufacturing (AM) began during my academic pursuits in Metallurgical & Materials Engineering at IIT Kharagpur, where I conducted extensive research on mechanical testing and materials characterization. It was during this time that I developed a keen interest in the field of AM and its potential to revolutionize manufacturing processes.
My journey took an entrepreneurial turn when I co-founded The Art of Making Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting skill development and education in emerging technologies, including 3D printing. As the COO of the foundation, I have been actively involved in creating an online platform for skill development, designing training programs, and fostering collaborations with industry partners and educational institutions.
Describe your “AHA” moment with additive manufacturing:
One of the most memorable “AHA” moments I had with Additive Manufacturing was when I had the opportunity to witness the transformative impact it had on an individual from a completely unrelated industry. This particular incident involved a young girl working in the restaurant industry. At first, she had no prior knowledge or exposure to the technology and was unsure of what to expect.
To demonstrate the practical applications of AM, I showcased how it could be used to create customized and personalized products, such as jewelry and accessories. The girl’s eyes lit up and she began exploring the various design software and tools we provided, experimenting with different shapes, sizes, and materials. Eventually, this girl transitioned from the restaurant industry to becoming an educator in the AM space.
This “AHA” moment exemplified the transformative power of AM. It showcased how this young girl, with no prior experience or background in technology, was captivated by the potential of AM and completely transformed her career path.
To date, what would you say is your greatest achievement in Additive Manufacturing?
To date, my greatest achievement in Additive Manufacturing is the establishment and successful growth of The Art of Making Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the field of AM. Through this initiative, we have made significant contributions to the industry and created a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities.
Through the training videos and resources we have created, we have empowered individuals to learn and harness the potential of AM in various sectors. Additionally, our collaboration with Women in 3D Printing and the management of 9 chapters in India has been a significant achievement.
By actively engaging with this international community, we have fostered a supportive network, provided mentorship opportunities, and advocated for diversity and inclusion in the AM industry.
Read the rest of this story at Women in 3D Printing
