The 3D printing initiative at SUNY New Paltz is the recipient of $1 million in funding from the mid-Hudson region of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative. The announcement was made on Wednesday, Dec. 11 in Albany, N.Y.
“We are very pleased that the governor recognized the potential of this project to bring new manufacturing technology and training to our region that will help grow our economy and create jobs,” President Donald Christian said in a press release.
The fall 2013 semester has been the first in which the school offered courses in 3D printing. Overall, the program is comprised of six classes that can be taken across three semesters.
Mary Hafeli former dean of the school of fine and performing arts and Daniel Freedman, dean of the school of science and engineering created the Digital Design and Fabrication (DDF) Program as a collaborative interdisciplinary effort.
According to Freedman, 3D printing has potential for innovation in both science and art, in addition to collaborative possibilities between the departments.
Christian said the funding will support the school’s aim to allow for additional “state of the art 3D printing equipment,” which will deepen the reach of the program — so that art, computer science and engineering students can all benefit from the initiative.
With the additional equipment and expanding of the initiative, Christian said he hopes the 3D printing program at New Paltz becomes a “magnet” for those interested in 3D printing, including companies.
“The funding puts this project on the fast track to help accelerate the center’s growth and capitalize on building a distinctive regional identity in 3D printing and related research, design and development,” Christian said.
In May, $500,000 of private funding was pledged by Ulster County businessman Sean Eldridge of Hudson River Ventures and by Central Hudson River.
According to the press release, Hudson River Ventures has also “committed $500,000 of venture capital to help launch new 3D printing enterprises in the region.”