3Dexter

New Delhi-based 3Dexter operates within the educational technology sector, specializing in the integration of 3D printing into school curricula. The company was founded in June 2015 by seven childhood friends: Raunak Singhi, Nikunj Singhal, Shantanu Kwatra, Smarth Vasdev, Raghav Sareen, Parth Batra, and Naman Singhal. While still in college and pursuing degrees in different fields, the founders united around a shared passion for technology and education, deciding to explore the potential of 3D printing. After six months of research, they developed a curriculum and began testing their concept in December 2015 with around 300 students. This initial phase provided crucial feedback on the curriculum, operational costs, and business model.

3Dexter's business model is centered on providing a comprehensive package to educational institutions, primarily K-12 schools with CBSE, ICSE, and IB board affiliations. This package includes the installation of 3D printing labs (which they call 'mini factories'), their proprietary 3D printers, scanners, 3D pens, software, and raw materials. A key component of their offering is the curriculum itself, which is designed to integrate with existing school subjects, transforming theoretical concepts into tangible, 3D-printed models—such as a human heart for biology or a catapult to explain projectile motion. To ensure effective implementation, the company also provides dedicated trainers for the schools. Revenue is generated through an initial package fee for schools, which ranges from ₹6 lakh to ₹10 lakh, with subsequent annual costs for support and materials. In October 2016, the company secured ₹1 crore (approximately $150K) in a seed funding round from ICA Edu Skill Pvt Ltd.

The company's services extend beyond the core curriculum. They conduct workshops to introduce students and educators to 3D printing and have also worked on prototype printing for industrial clients, such as creating a large engine prototype for Maruti Suzuki, although their primary focus remains on the education sector. By 2017, the firm had expanded its reach to over 30 schools across various Indian states, including Delhi, Gujarat, and Bihar, and had engaged with more than 10,000 students through its programs and workshops. The founders' diverse skills contribute to the company's operations, with responsibilities divided among product development, R&D, business development, and operations. For instance, Shantanu Kwatra and Parth Batra focus on business development, Smarth Vasdev on product, and Raghav Sareen on R&D. Keywords: 3D printing education, edtech India, experiential learning, school 3D printing curriculum, K-12 technology integration, STEM education, 3D modeling for students, education hardware, Raunak Singhi, Shantanu Kwatra, Parth Batra, Smarth Vasdev, 3D printer for schools, hands-on learning, design thinking for students, education technology labs, CBSE curriculum technology, ICSE tech integration, IB schools 3D printing, 3Dexter, New Delhi startup, educational hardware