Public school students will get the opportunity of hands-on experience with a 3D printer, thanks to a donation by Bermuda company Trunomi.

The cutting edge technology is viewed as one of the most significant advancements to emerge from the latest wave of digital devices.

While some public school students already have experience with computer software that allows them to work in three dimensions, they have been unable to turn their virtual creations into a solid end result. Until now.

A 3D printer, together with a range of cartridges, has been donated by Trunomi, a Bermuda-based financial technology innovator.

The printer will initially be available to students at Clearwater and Sandys middle schools. It is hoped other public schools will also become involved and utilise the technology.

“The most transformational industry we are going to see in Bermuda in the next decade is 3D printing. It may become a significant employer in the technology sector,” said Stuart Lacey, founder and chief executive officer of Trunomi.

“We want to expose Bermuda’s youth to the technology so they have already developed the skills to work in the industry as it matures.

“And it’s not just about the 3D printing, it is also the 3D design software.”

Controlled by computer software, a 3D printer can create objects of almost any shape by laying down layers of extrusion material, typically a plastic filament.

“The idea of Trunomi donating a 3D printer available to Bermuda’s middle schools came out of a conversation at the recent Bermuda Tech Meetup organised by Malcolm Furbert and Niklas Traub,” explained Mr Lacey.

The Bermuda Tech Meetup is a gathering that attracts technology companies, investors, educators and individuals interested in new technology.

“Malcolm was talking to a small group of us about making technology more accessible to public school students,” said Mr Lacey.

“As a Bermudian company, Trunomi has a keen focus to not only hire locally, but to also find ways to use technology and mentoring to give back to our community.

“There is no doubt that 3D printing will have exponential benefits to Bermuda, spurning whole new classes of goods and services, as well as empowering entrepreneurs to start their own businesses. Getting a printer in the hands of youth is hopefully another great step towards this goal.”

Mr Furbert said: “I’m very excited. It’s a significant first step. Stuart is committed to being involved in the initiative to introduce new technology to our students. Greater exposure to technology and entrepreneurs like Stuart will broaden students’ thinking when considering career options.”

Mr Lacey gave a demonstration on setting up the printer to two teachers, representing the Clearwater and Sandys middle schools, and said he would also be interested in working with any other interested middle schoolteachers “to help in knowledge transfer and mentoring in this new technology”.

Katyna Rabain, an ICT teacher at Clearwater Middle School, said: “It’s a great opportunity to expose the children to this technology and get their interest.”

While Philip Trott, a science teacher at Sandys Middle School, said: “It’s a beautiful thing that this has been donated. I’m always thinking of how to integrate technology into lessons.

“The way the whole maker movement works. The students come up with an idea and plan to create. It’s not just about the building and making. We teach the students how to use the software. But now, with a 3D printer, they can see what they have done.

“It is fantastic what Stuart has done.”