About Us
Welcome to 3D Academy – Your Gateway to 3D Technology Learning
Project Overview
Objectives
Partners
Business Information and Consulting Centre – Sandanski (BICC)
The Business Information and Consulting Centre – Sandanski (BICC – Sandanski) is a non-governmental organisation with over 25 years of experience in the realm of local economic and social development, along with training and mentoring in entrepreneurship and financial/professional development. Located in the town of Sandanski (Bulgaria), they offer business information and project management services to SMEs, NGOs, and public entities.
The team at BICC – Sandanski consists of experts providing an array of services in project management and development, business support, networking, and training. Their expertise spans various areas including business development, start-up support, renewable energy, organic agriculture, social entrepreneurship, and local social and economic development. For tasks requiring specialised expertise, they collaborate with a pool of seasoned external experts in areas such as event management, web development, e-learning, and graphic design.
3D Grupa
3D Grupa Cluster, established formally in 2011, currently comprises 18 members, including 16 SMEs (including 3 start-ups), 1 research organisation, and 1 ecosystem partner. The Cluster is dedicated to enhancing the competitiveness of local and regional industries through the promotion and implementation of concurrent 3D technologies in business processes. Its mission encompasses various activities, including providing access to 3D technology for companies to address their challenges, disseminating quality 3D industry-related information, facilitating the integration of 3D technologies into regional industry practices, and fostering connections between regional and international partners.
To achieve its objectives, 3D Grupa Cluster established a regional reference centre for 3D technologies. This centre serves as a hub for various 3D equipment, facilitating its utilisation in industry projects and offering valuable hands-on experience to young engineers. Additionally, the Cluster organises regular seminars on 3D technologies to disseminate industry trends and facilitates participation in relevant fairs and events. Led by experienced professionals with clear objectives aimed at modernising the regional industry, the administrative body of the Cluster, managed by three part-time experts, oversees administrative, financial, and project management tasks, ensuring the effective execution of Cluster initiatives.
Voxellab
Voxellab d.o.o. company, established in 2013 in Belgrade, emerged as a pioneer in 3D printing technologies. With nine years of expertise in 3D printing and software engineering, the company has evolved into a prominent service provider in the region for rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing solutions. Equipped with advanced professional and industrial devices, Voxellab offers seven distinct 3D printing technologies capable of producing prototypes and functional products across various applications.
The company specialises in reselling and distributing innovative products in 3D printing, manufacturing, and IT sectors, with its web portal, 3dmarket.rs, serving as the region's first and largest marketplace for such offerings. In addition to its distribution activities, Voxellab expands its product portfolio with locally tailored offerings, including 3D printing pens, various printer add-ons, and electronic gadgets. Backed by a dedicated R&D team, Voxellab draws upon a decade of experience in the IT industry, operating in its current form and market for six years.
With a team of highly specialised professionals, Voxellab offers comprehensive support throughout the design and production process. Services include precision 3D design and modelling based on technical specifications, sketches, or photographs, facilitating visualisation, prototype production, and digital manufacturing through 3D printing technology. Specialisations also extend to reverse engineering and conversion for additive manufacturing, positioning Voxellab at the forefront of innovative 3D technologies.
8CELL
8Cell stands as a prominent player in the additive manufacturing market, recognised as a preferred consultancy company in Bulgaria for educating both organisations and individuals. Serving as a primary supplier of desktop and industrial 3D printing and scanning equipment, 8Cell goes beyond mere provision by maintaining local stock, offering local support, and holding certifications to service and train every customer.
Comprising a team of seasoned professionals well-versed in the significance of additive manufacturing within Industry 4.0, 8Cell endeavors not only to deliver hardware but also to educate future generations on the tangible manifestations of creativity. They advocate for the implementation of their technologies to reduce costs, streamline production times, and optimize parts and processes. With extensive experience spanning diverse projects, from educational initiatives in primary schools to process and part optimisations for large industrial corporations, 8Cell garners acclaim from satisfied customers for their long-term commitments and unwavering support. Servicing various industries including manufacturing, medical, dental, design, and education, they eagerly share the knowledge amassed over the years.
Actively engaged in collaborative efforts with numerous clusters and organisations, such as PARA, Cluster Housing Devices, Automotive Cluster, and esteemed institutions like the University of Ruse, Bulgarian Academy of Science, and both Technical and Medical universities of Sofia, 8Cell fosters knowledge dissemination within professional circles. Through partnerships with industry giants like Formlabs + Ultimaker, 8Cell gains access to extensive resources and expertise, facilitating their educational endeavors aimed at students and teachers alike.
CALLIDUS
Callidus – Institute for Adult Education, accredited by The Ministry of Science and Education in Croatia, offers comprehensive adult education programmes spanning management, 3D technologies, personal development, marketing, tourism, finance, and construction. With a focus on project management, Callidus has successfully implemented EU-funded projects exceeding EUR 11 million, showcasing expertise in documentation writing and resource acquisition.
Responding to market demands, Callidus pioneers innovative educational initiatives tailored to adult learners' specific needs, collaborating with industry leaders to offer specialised training programmes. Collaborative efforts extend beyond Croatia, with partnerships established with institutions such as the Austrian Development Agency and BFI Vocational Training Institute, resulting in educational advancements in Moldova and Serbia.
Through a proactive approach to project development and consistent achievement of objectives, Callidus has significantly enhanced vocational education practices, fostered skill development in the labour market, and forged enduring partnerships within various industries. Maintaining a longstanding collaboration with BFI Burgenland ensures ongoing knowledge exchange and sustained educational excellence.
ZPG Sandanski
Founded in 1957, ZPG Sandanski boasts a current enrollment of 747 students across various specialties, including "Organisation of tourism and free time," "Economic informatics," and "Quality control and safety of food and beverages." Admission is granted post-7th grade, with an emphasis on intensive English study and an option for Spanish, French, or German as a second foreign language. With a robust ICT infrastructure featuring 67 terminal devices and two cutting-edge STEM laboratories, the institution prioritises enhancing digital competencies through long-term plans for ICT integration in education.
The faculty comprises 66 teachers and 26 support staff, all equipped with the requisite qualifications and experience. The school's success is evidenced by numerous students securing employment in their chosen fields upon graduation. As a prominent entity in Bulgarian vocational education, the school actively participates in European projects, providing students with practical experience and exposure to state-of-the-art European technologies, thereby enriching their language skills and educational journey.
Adapting to evolving educational needs, the institution engages in national programmes for educational base modernisation, ensuring a contemporary and conducive learning environment. Guided by the belief in lifelong learning as essential for perpetual youthfulness, the school remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence in education, aligned with European standards, and continually seeks innovative pathways to enhance educational quality.
Technical High School Faust Vrančić
Technical High School Faust Vrančić stands as a vocational institution offering four four-year curricula and one three-year curriculum. These programmes cater to various fields including mechatronics, computer engineering, motor vehicle technology, engineering, and CNC operations. In the academic year 2022-2023, the school enrolled 648 students across 28 classes, guided by a team of 60 teachers, including advisors and mentors. The institution also provides education for adults, focusing on CNC programming and CAD/CAM programming.
Distinguished as one of the pioneers in Croatia, the school established a centre for new technologies specialising in CNC and computer-assisted engineering. Recognised as a Regional Center of Competence, the school enjoys enhanced resources, including new equipment, expanded accommodation for students and faculty, and closer collaboration with employers for student placements and teacher training. This initiative, supported by a significant investment of approximately €11,000,000, aims to foster stronger ties between educational institutions, employers, and government bodies.
Renowned for its well-equipped classrooms and commitment to staying abreast of technological advancements, the school consistently produces high-achieving students who excel in regional and state-level competitions in mechanical engineering. Notably, students actively participate in prestigious national and international conventions, earning accolades and medals for their innovative projects. Beyond academics, the school emphasises extracurricular activities such as sports competitions and humanitarian initiatives. Additionally, the institution serves as a host and organiser for regional and state-level competitions in disciplines such as AutoCAD and CATIA computer designing, as well as CNC turning and milling techniques. Moreover, the school has played a pivotal role in organising the National competition for vocational school students, showcasing its commitment to excellence in vocational education.
The Academy of Applied Technical Studies
The Academy of Applied Technical Studies Belgrade, an institution of tertiary education founded in September 2019 by the Government of The Republic of Serbia, represents the culmination of integration efforts aimed at enhancing the quality and scope of higher education in the region. It is the result of merging four distinguished Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) – namely, the College of Professional Studies – Belgrade Polytechnic, College of Professional Engineering Studies ‘’Tehnikum Taurunum’’, College of Professional Technical Studies ‘’Novi Beograd’’, and College of Professional Technical Studies ‘’Pozarevac’’. Each of these HEIs boasts a rich tradition in higher education and has successfully navigated through multiple cycles of accreditations, aligning their educational standards with the evolving legal framework outlined in the Law on Higher Education in Serbia.
The Academy, organised into four units reflecting the amalgamated HEIs, presents a comprehensive educational landscape with a wide array of undergraduate and graduate study programmess tailored to meet the demands of both industry and society. These programmes cover diverse fields such as technology, engineering, traffic management, and applied sciences, distributed across locations in Belgrade and Pozarevac. Through strategic partnerships and robust engagement with industry stakeholders, the Academy ensures that its educational offerings are not only theoretically sound but also deeply connected to real-world applications. Practical placements, internships, and collaborative projects are integral components of the curriculum, providing students with invaluable hands-on experience and facilitating seamless transition into professional roles upon graduation.
At the heart of the Academy's ethos lies a commitment to advancing the quality of professional education and fostering a sense of community among its students and faculty. Rooted in this ethos is the vision of international connectivity and adaptability to the rapid technological and societal changes characterising the contemporary world. By preparing highly skilled professionals equipped to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow, the Academy seeks to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of technical education and innovation both locally and globally.
FabLab
FabLab, a non-profit Research and Technology (RTO) organisation based in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), is at the forefront of innovation-driven initiatives aimed at enhancing research infrastructure and fostering cutting-edge technologies. As a co-founder of Digital Innovation Hub "Digital Storm," FabLab plays a pivotal role in building an innovative ecosystem in green ICT and Industry 4.0/5.0. Through services such as the test-before-invest platform, access to financing, and educational tools like rapid prototyping, FabLab accelerates innovation and supports the monetisation of research projects.
With expertise spanning ICT, 3D designing and printing, collaborative robotics, and AR/VR modelling, FabLab employs diverse learning activities to cultivate knowledge and skills among students and professionals. Through synchronous and asynchronous online learning activities and hands-on workshops, FabLab facilitates learning and skill development in various technological domains.
Situated at the University of Sarajevo Campus in the heart of the city, FabLab enjoys a strategic location surrounded by academic institutions and research companies. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including a 100+ sqm Additive Manufacturing lab and well-equipped classrooms, FabLab provides an ideal environment for research, training, and collaboration, fostering innovation and advancing technological excellence in BiH and beyond.
Future in Perspective Limited
Future In Perspective Limited (FIP) operates as a private company within the realms of Vocational Education and Training (VET), community, youth, and school education. Their mission revolves around enhancing learning experiences by crafting engaging digital resources and methodologies tailored to rural communities. FIP's expertise spans the entire educational spectrum, focusing on innovative curriculum development and educational materials specifically designed for rural education providers.
With a strong emphasis on leveraging digital media to revolutionise teaching practices, Future In Perspective Limited pioneers the development of interactive and engaging educational content. They provide comprehensive training and resources to educators across all levels, empowering them to implement cutting-edge educational practices effectively. By creating high-quality educational materials, FIP aims to inspire and motivate learners of all ages and backgrounds while fostering the next generation of innovators and visionaries.
At the heart of FIP's operations lies the Digital Media Zone (DMZ), a cutting-edge multimedia production facility situated in Virginia, Ireland. The DMZ houses a team of experts dedicated to creating digital media resources accessible through smartphones, including interactive infographics and posters with embedded digital learning tools. These resources, trialled and proven effective in local schools, VET providers, and youth centres, provide valuable support for self-directed learning on topics such as mental health, bullying, and sexual health, further enriching the educational experience.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.