Zaid Badwan, the founder and Director General of MediPrint, is transforming the landscape of medical technology with his innovative use of 3D printing to create customized prostheses and orthoses.
The startup of MediPrint was deeply personal for Zaid. After a severe accident left his mother with inadequate medical care, he experienced firsthand the challenges and limitations of traditional medical devices. This motivated him to develop MediPrint, a business dedicated to designing and manufacturing affordable, high-tech medical solutions using 3D printing technology. “Our goal is to lift people out of a life of dependency and give them back their independence,” Zaid said.
MediPrint’s mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals who need prostheses and orthoses but have limited access to resources, particularly in low-income regions. The World Health Organization estimates between 35 and 40 million people worldwide require these devices. Unfortunately, many of these individuals live in areas with poor access to affordable and effective medical solutions. MediPrint addresses this gap using 3D printing to produce customized, cost-effective prosthetics and orthotics.
“Through 3D printing, we can create prostheses that are lighter, more comfortable, and affordable than traditional options,” Zaid explained. “We’ve helped people who have been in wheelchairs for years to regain their mobility and independence. We’re constantly pushing the boundaries to enhance what we can offer.”
MediPrint’s products are technologically advanced and environmentally friendly, using recyclable materials and offering quick, personalized solutions. Its services range from rehabilitative orthoses and orthopedic insoles to dental prosthesis molds and anatomical models. This versatility highlights MediPrint’s commitment to innovation across a range of medical fields.
Zaid’s work with MediPrint has garnered significant recognition. In 2016, MediPrint won Premio UNITEC, an award that celebrates young entrepreneurs who leverage technology to address social issues. The award recognized MediPrint’s role in advancing medical technology and improving the lives of vulnerable populations.
Reflecting on the recognition, Zaid said: “Winning Premio UNITEC was a pivotal moment for us. It validated our approach and opened doors to further opportunities for growth and collaboration.”
Zaid was also named one of MIT Technology Review’s Innovators Under 35 for Latin America in 2022, a further testament to his impact on medical innovation.
Beyond his work at MediPrint, Zaid has contributed to the field of 3D printing through academic and professional engagements. He has conducted research at the University of Southern California and taught additive manufacturing at Singularity University. His expertise has been shared in over 85 conferences, including four TEDx talks, and featured in prominent media outlets, such as Forbes and Discovery News.
Today, MediPrint is expanding its horizons through the 3DPlus initiative, which extends its 3D printing technology beyond the medical field to include prototypes, personalized objects, and more.
As Zaid continues to drive innovation at MediPrint, his work remains an example of how social entrepreneurship can address critical needs while advancing technology.
