Amman, Oct. 25 (Petra) The Crown Prince Foundation (CPF) on Saturday held a series of discussion and dialogue sessions during the second edition of the Maker Collective, with the participation of 17 experts, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

The sessions focused on innovation, technology, digital manufacturing, and entrepreneurship, while also facilitating the exchange of local and international expertise in these areas.

The event featured five interactive panel discussions throughout the day, in addition to short, inspirational sessions held in a dynamic space covering diverse topics. A number of entrepreneurs and innovators shared their experiences, highlighting pioneering ventures, innovative projects, and emerging technologies aimed at enriching participants’ knowledge and providing varied insights in a concise and engaging manner.

A keynote address was delivered by international innovation expert Daniele Ingrassia, who discussed the concept of building open-source digital fabrication machines and the role of digital manufacturing in developing replicable engineering solutions accessible to innovators worldwide.

His session covered several themes, including discovering passion within Fab Labs, open-source projects in innovation labs, building custom machines, developing unique machine operating systems, and documenting and sharing projects within the global innovation ecosystem. It also showcased a number of publications and research papers on the topic.

Another session, titled "Patient Specific Healthcare: The Role of Digital Fabrication," brought together experts and specialists from various medical and technological fields to discuss the potential of digital manufacturing tools in creating advanced medical solutions and custom-made devices that meet individual needs with greater precision demonstrating the integration between innovation and medicine.

A separate panel titled "Rethinking Hardware Investment: Risks, Rewards and Realities" explored the state of industrial investment amid digital transformation, the challenges entrepreneurs face in developing physical products in a rapidly evolving market, and the growth opportunities within innovation-driven production sectors.

Through these sessions, the collective aimed to provide a platform for creative minds, young talents, and experts to exchange knowledge and ideas, explore ways to strengthen the culture of innovation, and encourage the adoption of modern technological solutions especially digital manufacturing across all sectors.

The event also featured open spaces accessible to all visitors free of charge, including an innovation exhibition showcasing over 114 projects and inventions by academic institutions, designers, and independent student innovators, alongside free hands-on workshops and numerous interactive activities for all age groups.

Visitors had the opportunity to experience and learn about digital fabrication tools firsthand, such as 3D printers, CNC machines, and laser cutters, among others used in fabrication laboratories worldwide.

The Maker Forum embodies the Crown Prince Foundation’s commitment to empowering and inspiring youth and opening new horizons for them in the fields of innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship supporting the national vision of building a knowledge- and creativity-based economy.

//Petra// AF