Coding Dojo to Host 3D Printing Hackathon for Teens

BELLEVUE, WA--(Marketwired - Jul 13, 2016) - Coding Dojo, a pioneer in the coding bootcamp space, today announced it will host STEAM3D, a 3D printing hackathon for teenagers, at its Bellevue, Wash. headquarters from July 23 to 24. STEAM3D is a competition between teams of 12 to 18-year-olds from the Puget Sound region. The teens will be given 48 hours to create an innovative solution to a common problem using 3D printing technologies and then pitch their final physical product to a panel of judges. The hackathon is organized by Creative Children for Charity (3C), a youth leadership nonprofit run by 12 to 15-year-olds.

"3D printing is expected to be a $27-billion-dollar market by 2019 when most of these teens will becoming adults and is changing the way we live," said Richard Wang, CEO of Coding Dojo. "We're excited to see what the next generation of creative technologists dream up and learn in two days."

The 3D product pitch competition features an expert panel, a brief TED-style keynote and 5-minute product pitches with a Q&A. The end products will be judged by leaders in business, technology, non-profits and universities including Jonathon Cluts, Director of Strategic Initiatives at UW Bothell, and Vandana Slatter of the Bellevue, Wash. City Council.

"I am excited to see continuity of STEAM3D program and events to help today's youth applying 3D technologies for practical applications," said Cluts. "We believe that bringing middle and high school kids together will create a healthy environment for 3D innovation, and help foster the next generation of entrepreneurs and inventors."

Saturday, July 23, will be spent conceptualizing products, and Sunday, July 24, will be spent building them with a 3D printer and presenting their invention to judges in a "pitch-off" style competition. Winners will be announced around 7 pm on July 24.

"Think of STEAM3D as part 'Project Runway' and part 'Shark Tank,'" said the 14-year-old founder of 3C, Chirag Vedullapalli. "Not only do contestants have the opportunity to become a 3D inventor in 48 hours, they will have the chance to meet and work with specialists in the 3D field."

This is the second year for STEAM3D. Last year, students were tasked with developing 3D printed solutions to help schools solve problems. The winning project involved a water fountain cover designed to reduce the number of sick days caused by bacteria spread by infested fountains.

Teens can sign up to participate in STEAM3D and more details about the hackathon are at 3cyouth.com/#!steam3d-hackathon/i60dc. Coding Dojo's headquarter is located at 10777 Main St in Bellevue, Wash.

About Coding Dojo
Coding Dojo is one of the highest rated coding bootcamps in the industry, and the only coding bootcamp in the world to teach three full technology stacks in a single 14-week program. Since 2012, Coding Dojo has helped individuals from a variety of backgrounds and skill levels transform into professional developers who go on to be hired by start-ups and world-class companies like Expedia, Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase, DocuSign and Skytap. Coding Dojo has campuses in Dallas, Los Angeles, Seattle, Silicon Valley, Washington D.C. and and will be expanding to Chicago in September 2016. The company is one of the fastest growing startups with recognition in rankings like the GeekWire 200. Go to www.codingdojo.com to learn more.

About Creative Children For Charity
Creative Children for Charity is a program that supports non-profit mission by bringing kids and youth together through art and leadership programs in our communities. Their mission is to inspire one million kids and teens to donate their time and talent for a social cause. 3C partners with local/global nonprofits by developing creative art + tech experiences to enable sustainable fundraising platforms developed by youth community.

Please visit website 3cyouth.com; Facebook: 3cforyouth