Oklahoma State University students have developed a multi-axis 3D printing system capable of printing in any direction, including upside down. The SCIVINCE team, consisting of Soroosh Farsiani, Mahla Hosseini, and William Petty, won the High Growth Graduate division at the 2025 Entrepreneur’s Cup in Oklahoma City on April 22, receiving a $21,000 prize for their innovation.
The SCIVINCE system features multiple print heads that can print from all directions, allowing users to customize layer orientation and material placement. According to the team, this configuration enhances product strength and durability by 14% while delivering at least 20% faster printing. The technology also eliminates the need for support structures, potentially saving between 15% and 50% on materials.
“Our goal was to create a design that enhanced the product strength and durability, and our research proved that we succeeded in that,” said Farsiani, a Ph.D. candidate in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology. “We can print from any direction, and we can print more complex geometries than printers currently on the market, which would allow our technology to print parts that are currently unprintable.”
The project began as a collaboration between Farsiani and Dr. Hadi Noori, who questioned whether it was possible to create a 3D printer that could print upside down. After developing a working prototype, the team sought business guidance through OSU’s National Science Foundation’s Innovation Corps Program, which helped them explore commercial potential through customer discovery.
The SCIVINCE team interviewed over 200 potential customers to develop their marketing strategy and business plan. Their efforts focused on applications in aerospace, healthcare, and automotive industries, where complex, multi-material designs could benefit from their technology.
Following their recent competition victory, the team has applied for a Phase 1 Small Business Innovation Research grant worth $314,363 to further develop their prototype and expand the business side of the project. The team continues to refine their business plan as they pursue opportunities at national business plan competitions.
Source: news.okstate.edu