The Future of 3D Printing in New Orleans Says Entrepreneur Week Announcement

3D Systems VP Hugh Evans introduced an exciting new challenge for New Orleans: be the hub of 3D food printing.

3D Systems VP Hugh Evans introduced an exciting new challenge for New Orleans: be the hub of 3D food printing.

New Orleanian Hugh Evans, VP of corporate development and ventures at the company that invented 3D printing, 3D Systems, was back in town for his eye-opening keynote at New Orleans Entrepreneur Week.

Evans introduced an exciting new challenge for New Orleans.

“We are the most creative city in the country, why can’t we be the best?” asked Tim Williamson, co-founder and CEO of The Idea Village, after the keynote. “We got to thinking,” he continued, “what could we do to send the message that we can be great?”

In a highly anticipated announcement, Williamson announced the first-ever 3D printed food contest that will pick one food entrepreneur to catalyze the future of food technology in New Orleans.

The entrepreneur will receive a ChefJet 3D printer, which was recently announced at the Consumer Electronics Show, to produce 3D printed edibles.

Evans explained that 3D Systems launched the ChefJet for a reason: to customize desserts. “It’s a good idea,” he said. The machine can create the most complex and unique designs for restaurants, hotels, wedding planners and more.

“Its a very exciting area that’s opened up, it belongs here,” said Evans.

They plan to find an entrepreneur who will find a food grade commercial space to transform the way we think of and look at food. The entrepreneur will be flown out to Los Angeles to be trained by the ChefJet inventor. The job will then be to go around and be an outsourced service provider for the aforementioned clients.

New Orleans has the potential to set in motion the future of the 3D printing industry in its own backyard.  Williamson is excited about the opportunity ahead. “We have the chance to be ahead of the game with 3D food printing.”

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