Until October 31, 2026, Junior Creator is open, the competition we set up for a specific reason: in Puglia there are kids designing 3D objects in their bedrooms and no one notices.
The first prize is a real 3D printer — the Creality K1 Max from our workshop — plus twelve hours of training to really learn how to use it. Because a printer without someone to explain how it works becomes a paperweight in three weeks.
Here is the summary. The full rules, with all the details, are on the contest page.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE
Girls and boys who are not yet 16 years old on October 31, 2026, and who live or study in the provinces of Brindisi, Lecce, or Taranto.
The competition is local for a practical reason, not out of parochialism: the prize is not just a machine, it also includes twelve hours of in-person training, looking at the printer together. It wouldn't work remotely, and we prefer a real prize over a big prize.
Participation is free and you don't need to buy anything.
YOU DON'T NEED A 3D PRINTER
It's the question we get most often, so let's make it clear: all you need to participate is the file. You don't need to own a printer, you don't need to have already printed the project, and you don't need any paid software.
Tinkercad is free and works in the browser, without installing anything. FreeCAD and OpenSCAD are free and open-source. Fusion and Onshape have a free student license. We'll take care of the printing.
And no, a project made in Tinkercad is not at a disadvantage: the jury looks at how you thought it through, not how much the software you opened costs.
WHAT TO SUBMIT
The name of the model — whatever you call it. It will appear on the certificate.
The description, maximum 900 characters: what it is, what it's for, how you modeled it, and what the hardest part was.
The source file of the program you used — the shared Tinkercad or Onshape link, or .FCStd, .scad, .f3d, .blend, .step. This matters: that's where we can see how you think.
The printable file: .stl or .3mf.
Two or three images of the model: screenshots, renders, or photos of the part if you have already managed to print it somewhere.
The motivation: why you would like to have your own printer. A text of up to 1,500 characters or a video of up to 90 seconds. In the video you don't have to show your face if you don't want to.
The consent form signed by a parent or guardian. Without it we cannot evaluate the work: it is the only truly non-negotiable requirement.
Everything in a single submission, with the address you can find on the contest page. If the files are large, upload them to Drive or WeTransfer and send us the link.
HOW IT IS JUDGED
One hundred points across five categories, the same for everyone: originality of the idea (30), quality of the project (25), printability (20), utility or story (15), motivation (10).
There is only one ranking, but the jury knows the age of the designer and evaluates accordingly: a well-designed mechanism in Tinkercad at eleven years old can be worth as much as a parametric assembly at fifteen. What we reward is the leap. There is also a Special Mention for Under 12s.
For the top three, we publish the judges' written reasoning, so that those who didn't win can understand where to grow.
ON THE HELP OF ADULTS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Having a parent, a teacher, or an AI explain a command to you is normal and doesn't take away from your work. Having someone else make the model for you does, and it's grounds for disqualification: anyone can tell during the evaluation of the source file. Models generated entirely by AI are not allowed.
WHAT IS UP FOR GRABS
First: Creality K1 Max with accessories (build volume 300×300×300 mm, unlocked Klipper firmware) plus 12 hours of training — 4 at delivery and then 2 per month for three months. Total value €650.
Second: €80 in Bambu Lab vouchers plus 2 hours of online training.
Third: €40 in Bambu Lab vouchers plus 2 hours of online training.
From 4th to 13th: we will print your project for free, to be picked up at our premises.
IF YOU ARE A PARENT OR A TEACHER
Two things you usually need to know: the materials of those who don't win will be deleted by December 2, 2026, after the awards ceremony; and sharing the post is optional — those who don't share anything start with exactly the same opportunities, and the jury doesn't know who shared.
If you want to propose it to a whole class, write to us: we also organize 3D printing workshops in schools.
🛠️ Do you have an idea and don't know if it's good? Read the full rules and download the consent form from the Junior Creator page, or message us on WhatsApp even just to ask "can this thing be printed?". No question is too small. Deadline October 31, 2026.