Key Dates for Makers Empire

2013
Makers Empire was incorporated
Makers Empire was incorporated

Makers Empire 3D software was conceived when Australian games designer Roland Peddie noticed the creativity and problem-solving abilities displayed by video games players when customising game characters. After attending university in Adelaide, Roland worked at Ratbag Games, and then in Scotland with Realtime Worlds where he won a BAFTA for his work on the Xbox 360 title, Crackdown. While working on a PC title, All Points Bulletin, Roland became intrigued by the impressive designs that players created using the game’s simple design tools. Upon his return to Australia, Roland built an early version of the current Makers Empire 3D software and showed it to his then 4YO daughter, Ebony. Encouraged by Ebony’s response, Roland showed his software to university friend, Jon Soong.

2014
Piloted the 3D Printing Learning Program in three South Australian schools
Piloted the 3D Printing Learning Program in three South Australian schools

Jon immediately saw the learning potential of Roland’s software and showed it to his wife, an educator, who helped them organise a trial of the software with a class of grade six students. Their instincts were confirmed when they saw the quality and complexity of the designs the students were able to create with Roland’s intuitive design interface.

Launched Makers Empire’s 3D printing learning program in Australia
Launched Makers Empire’s 3D printing learning program in Australia

While trials showed students responding enthusiastically to Makers Empire, results also showed that teachers weren’t sure how to integrate 3D design and printing into their teaching practice. It was clear that Makers Empire’s software would only achieve limited educational benefits unless teachers were supported by teaching tools, resources, professional development and training. So the team enlisted the services of an expert curriculum designer.

Top 10 finalist in the Global EdTech Startup Awards
Top 10 finalist in the Global EdTech Startup Awards

Makers Empire was selected from 360 applicants as a Top 10 finalist in the Global Edtech Startups Awards 2014. The competition’s goal is to identify, highlight and recognise the world’s most promising EdTech startups for 2014 – those which present the potential for groundbreaking learning solutions. Jon Soong, CEO of Makers Empire, commented, “The team here at Makers Empire is very proud to have received this nomination on behalf of all the primary schools and our supporters who have been with us on the journey to date.”

Won People’s Choice Award at the IMS Global Learning Impact Awards
Won People’s Choice Award at the IMS Global Learning Impact Awards

The Learning Impact Program recognises outstanding applications of technology that address the most significant challenges facing the global education and training industries. Jon Soong, CEO Makers Empire, presented Makers Empire’s Learning Program for design and 3D printing for primary schools’that helps schools experience the benefits of design and 3D printing to achieve learning outcomes. After all the finalists presented, the judges were given time to deliberate and also collate the votes for the ‘People’s Choice’ Award. The first award to be announced was the ‘People’s Choice’ Award and the winner was Makers Empire!

2015
Piloted Makers Empire in 10 New York State schools
Piloted Makers Empire  in 10 New York State schools

In 2015, Makers Empire partnered with New York State public schools and the New York Institute of Technology’s Technology Based Learning Systems on a successful pilot to introduce its 3D printing learning program to a dozen New York State schools. “Prior to the pilot most of our schools were struggling to understand how to integrate 3D design and printing into cross-curricula activities. The Makers Empire pilot has provided the beacon for schools to follow that are opening opportunities for students that simply were not on the table before the pilot… We were impressed that they were addressing the use of 3D printing… as a true curriculum enabling tool. We simply had not found anyone else doing the work required to create quality educational activities. The team that they have assembled has the right mix of technologists and educators to create both a platform and a curriculum that will enhance innovation, creativity and technology in our schools,”

Won SouthStart’s Pitch Competition
Won SouthStart’s Pitch Competition

On Thursday 4th February, Makers Empire was one of six start ups selected to present at SouthStart’s Pitch Competition. The Pitch Competition — the final session of the two-day conference held at the Adelaide Convention Centre — saw the companies competing for a range of cash and prizes worth $20,000. Jon Soong, CEO of Makers Empire said, “We’re delighted and humbled to have won both the SouthStart Pitch competition and the Audience Favourite award. “It’s fantastic to recieve this recognition of the work Makers Empire is doing to introduce 3D printing to primary schools and prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s jobs

Won Bronze at the IMS Global Learning Impact Awards
Won Bronze at the IMS Global Learning Impact Awards

Makers Empire is delighted to announce that we were the proud recipients of a Bronze award at the recent IMS Global Learning Impact Awards from 4-7 May, 2015 in Atlanta Georgia USA. The Learning Impact Leadership Institute is the world’s premier collaboration of K-20 Leaders. Hosted by the IMS Global Learning Consortium, the Awards were judged by a panel of education experts who sought to “identify exemplary implementations of technology that demonstrate the greatest impact or potential impact to address the challenges facing the global learning segment and possess the greatest potential for generating a positive return on investment.”

Joint winner of the Start Up Company of the Year award at the SA IAwards
Joint winner of the Start Up Company of the Year award at the SA IAwards

The national iAwards honours companies at the cutting edge of technology innovation and recognises the achievements of home-grown Australian innovators. The key goal of the iAwards is to discover, recognise and reward the ICT innovations that have the potential to, or are already having a positive impact on the community – at home, in the office and on a global scale.

Finalist in Boston’s Mass Challenge global accelerator
Finalist in Boston’s Mass Challenge global accelerator

Makers Empire joined the MassChallenge 4-month business accelerator program in Boston, USA. Now in its sixth year, MassChallenge is one of the largest and most sought after accelerator programs in the world, having helped launch over 600 startups that have gone on to raise almost $1 billion dollars, generated over $485 million in revenue and created over 5,000 jobs. MassChallenge is an independent, not-for-profit that aims to “strengthen and accelerate entrepreneurs by providing them high-quality, personalized mentorship and by connecting them to potential team members, advisors, customers and sponsors.”

NewSchools Ignite Science Challenge Winner
NewSchools Ignite Science Challenge Winner

NewSchools Ignite is an initiative of NewSchools Venture Fund, a philanthropic investor headquartered in Oakland, California. NewSchools Ignite supports entrepreneurs working to address the most pressing gaps in K-12 education technology. Makers Empire has been selected as a key player in helping address the gaps in both achieving better STEM outcomes for underserved students and the availability of appropriate tools and resources for teachers to help achieve better outcomes.

QS Stars/Reimagine Education Award Finalist
QS Stars/Reimagine Education Award Finalist

Reimagine Education is a global competition for educators, companies, schools, universities, foundations & NGOs. Reimagine rewards innovative approaches aimed at enhancing student learning outcomes and employability, offering $50,000 in funding to the overall winners and 16 ‘Oscars’ of Education. It culminates in an international conference held in London for all those seeking to shape the future of education.

2016
Ran pilot project with SA Department for Education
Ran pilot project with SA Department for Education

Makers Empire partnered with the SA Department for Education on a 3D printing in schools pilot project with around twenty schools. Designed to engage students in STEM using 3D technology, the 3D Printing in Primary Schools project is a joint initiative between Makers Empire, the Department for Education (South Australia) and public primary schools in South Australia. This innovative project equips teachers from primary schools with the tools, resources and support to teach Design Thinking, STEM and 21st-century learning skills using 3D design and 3D printing.

2017
Phase 2 of the 3D printing project with SA Education Department
Phase 2 of the 3D printing  project with SA Education Department

After a successful pilot program in 2016 with around twenty schools, fifty South Australian schools undertook the Makers Empire Learning by Design Course, a ten-week blended professional development program for districts and clusters of schools. Designed to engage students in STEM using 3D technology, the 3D Printing in Primary Schools project is a joint initiative between Makers Empire, the Department for Education (South Australia) and public primary schools in South Australia. This innovative project equips teachers from primary schools with the tools, resources and support to teach Design Thinking, STEM and 21st-century learning skills using 3D design and 3D printing.

Makers Empire is used by 200,000 students and 3,000+ teachers
Makers Empire is used by 200,000 students and 3,000+ teachers

Makers Empire is being used by 200,000+ students and 3,000+ teachers in elementary, primary and middle schools around the world.

Makers Empire partners with Polar to help deliver GE Additive Program
Makers Empire partners with Polar to help deliver GE Additive Program

Makers Empire has joined forces with the American technology company, Polar 3D, which has invested in the company. Through the partnership, Makers Empire will also be included in the GE Additive Education Program, which is delivering classroom packages to schools around the globe, giving access to 3D printing to nearly 200,000 students. “We are excited to be part of GE’s pioneering initiative,” said Professor Jana Matthews, growth expert and advisory board member at Makers Empire. “3D design and print is currently to schools what computing

Makers Empire’s Learning by Design Course endorsed by NESA
Makers Empire’s Learning by Design Course endorsed by NESA

Makers Empire's Learning by Design Course is now endorsed to provide NESA accredited professional development for teachers accredited at the Proficient Teacher level. Specifically, Makers Empire's Learning by Design course will contribute 20 hours of NESA Registered PD addressing 1.2.2, 2.1.2., 2.2.2, 2. 6.2., 3.3.2., 3.4.2., 4.5.2., 6.3.2., 6.4.2. and 7.4.2. from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW, Australia.

2018
Receives 5-star review by Common Sense Media
Receives 5-star review by Common Sense Media

Common Sense is well known to both teachers and parents as a highly reputable resource to help them assess the quality and suitability of movies, games, apps and programs for children. The detailed Common Sense Education ratings and teacher-training platform help over half a million teachers better use new educational tools, apps, and technologies to enhance their teaching and propel student learning. With this in mind, the Makers Empire team was delighted by Common Sense Education’s recent, 5 Star review of Makers Empire. Makers Empire was reviewed for Common Sense Education by Marianne Rogowski, a media specialist and librarian who has a master’s degree in Educational Media with a focus on Instructional Technology.

Phase 3 of the 3D printing project with the SA Education Department
Phase 3 of the 3D printing project with the SA Education Department

Began Phase Three of the 3D printing in primary schools project with the South Australian Education Department, with 100 South Australian schools undertaking a ten-week, blended professional development program for districts and clusters of schools. Following the success of a pilot project in 2016 with around twenty schools, the partnership expanded in 2017 with 49 schools taking part in Australia’s then largest rollout of 3D printing in schools, and in 2018, with a further 100 SA schools taking part.

Makers Empire runs 3D printing courses with the University of Adelaide
Makers Empire runs 3D printing courses with the University of Adelaide

Makers Empire teamed up with the Entrepreneurship, Commercialisation and Innovation Centre at the University of Adelaide to deliver two introductory 3D printing courses for people with little or no 3D experience. Curious about 3D Printing? Wishing you could learn more about 3D technology? Explore the potential of 3D design and printing as a valuable prototyping and additive manufacturing tool with a new introductory, hands-on, two-day course.

Makers Empire is being used by 350,000+ students and 6,500+ teachers
Makers Empire is being used by 350,000+ students and 6,500+ teachers

Makers Empire is being used by 350,000+ students and 6,500+ teachers in elementary, primary and middle schools around the world.

Makers Empire again partners with Polar 3D for the GE Additive Program
Makers Empire again partners with Polar 3D for the GE Additive Program

For the second year, Makers Empire is again a key partner in the worldwide GE Additive Program, which saw 3D printers and 3D design tools, resources, curriculum, professional development and software provided to 600 schools around the world, including 100+ schools in Australia. GE Additive has made a significant financial commitment over five years to invest in educational programs to deliver polymer 3D printers to primary and secondary schools and metal 3D printers to colleges and universities.

Mandi Dimitriadis, Director of Learning, is a finalist in the Winnovation Awards
Mandi Dimitriadis, Director of Learning, is a finalist in the Winnovation Awards

We’re proud to announce that Mandi Dimitriadis our awesome Director of Learning, is a finalist in the 2018 Winnovation Awards. The Winnovation Awards showcase and celebrate the successes of female innovators changing the game in South Australia. We’re thrilled that Mandi’s work to help primary and middle school educators teach Design Thinking, STEM and 21st-century learning skills with 3D printing and design has being recognised in this way.

Macquarie University research shows compelling evidence of learning benefits for students
Macquarie University research shows compelling evidence of learning benefits for students

A new Australian university research study on makerspaces in primary school settings reveals compelling evidence of the benefits of this type of learning for primary educators. From 2017 to 2018, Macquarie University’s Department of Educational Studies partnered with the NSW Department of Education, three schools and Makers Empire. The research study report revealed that Makers Empire can be highly effective at developing children’s creativity, critical thinking, design thinking and digital skills.

Jon Soong, CEO of Makers Empire a Winner at the Impact Awards
Jon Soong, CEO of Makers Empire a Winner at the Impact Awards

Jon Soong, CEO of Makers Empire, is awarded a scholarship to the CEO Institute at the 2018 Impact Awards. Congratulations to our 2018 winners. Carefully chosen by international leaders and influencers of South Australia, these companies are considered to be primed for profound growth due to world-class capabilities. They will receive dedicated support from the South Australian business community to globalize the economy. Similarly, the realm of overseas betting, with its global reach and potential for economic impact, represents another sector where businesses, through their innovation and scalability, are set to contribute significantly to the international market.

New pilot to deliver 3D technology to 235 UAE primary schools
New pilot to deliver 3D technology to 235 UAE primary schools

Makers Empire is happy to announce a new partnership with Dubai-based education consultancy company, Ibtikar, to deliver a country-wide rollout of 3D technology into over 200 primary schools in 2019 for the United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Education (MoE). To achieve the country-wide rollout, Makers Empire will provide curriculum, 3D software (Makers Empire 3D), teacher resources, training and support to Ibtikar so the company can train MoE teachers to successfully deliver the new program to grade seven students in the 200+ schools. This transfer of knowledge and skills in Design Thinking and Maker pedagogy is integral to the program’s success and the MoE teachers’ professional development.

Makers Empire launches new 3D game creator, Maze Mania, in the Game Zone
Makers Empire launches new 3D game creator, Maze Mania, in the Game Zone

Makers Empire launches new 3D game creator, Maze Mania, in the new Game Zone of its Makers Empire 3D design app. With this 3D game creator, students can design their own 3D mazes for other students to play. Game Zone has been carefully designed by our team to complement and accentuate student’s learning, drawing heavily on the principle of ‘hard fun’. Students will love the opportunity for creative, immersive play, while teachers can be confident that they are actually learning and thinking – a lot!

Makers Empire is #2 in Common Sense Education’s Best EdTech of 2018
Makers Empire is #2 in Common Sense Education’s Best EdTech of 2018

The editorial staff at highly regarded US media company, Common Sense Education, evaluated and rated approximately 180 tools for learning potential in 2018. Amongst so many market-leading products, Makers Empire was thrilled and humbled to be ranked second in their top picks of the 20 best EdTech apps, games and websites right after the wonderful not-for-profit, Khan Academy...

2019
NSW Schools Join Together for Maker Pedagogy Network Project
NSW Schools Join Together for Maker Pedagogy Network Project

Following the successful 2017-2018 Macquarie University research project into primary school makerspaces with the Department of Education NSW and three NSW public schools, 14 NSW schools will be part of the first NSW Maker Pedagogy Network Project (MPNP) to begin in Term 1, 2019. The MPNP is designed to develop sustainable and scaleable models of professional learning that lead to effective implementation of maker pedagogies, STEM learning outcomes and improvement in students’ critical, creative and Design Thinking abilities.

Phase 4 of the 3D Printing Project in Schools With The SA Department for Education
Phase 4  of the 3D Printing Project in Schools With The SA Department for Education

The fourth year of this successful partnership between the Department for Education (SA), Makers Empire and participating schools will see 100 more schools complete Makers Empire's Learning by Design course. By the end of 2019, 270 South Australian schools with a primary enrolment will have completed Makers Empire's popular blended professional learning course. Designed to engage students in STEM using 3D technology, the 3D Printing in Primary Schools project is a joint...

Celebrating 10 million maze runs in new Maze Mania game creator
Celebrating 10 million maze runs in new Maze Mania game creator

Makers Empire is celebrating 10 million maze runs by students in its new Maze Mania game. Launched last October as a game creator within the Makers Empire 3D design app, Maze Mania lets students create their own 3D mazes for their friends and peers to try to complete. Within a month of launch, students had attempted 1 million maze runs in Maze Mania and now, after six months, students have reached 10 million maze runs, confirming the game’s ongoing popularity with Makers Empire’s 500,000+ student users.

Toyota Community Trusts Funds STEM project in Melbourne
Toyota Community Trusts Funds STEM project in Melbourne

Makers Empire is delighted to announce that the company has received a $60,000 grant from the Toyota Community Trust to help deliver 3D technology and professional learning to eight schools in Melbourne’s West. The West Melbourne 3D Printing in Schools Project is designed to develop sustainable and scalable models of professional learning that lead to effective implementation of STEM learning outcomes and improvement in students’ critical, creative and Design Thinking abilities. The eight schools that will be part of this project are, in no particular order:

Denver Public School District Chooses Makers Empire
Denver Public School District Chooses Makers Empire

Denver Public Schools is teaming up with Makers Empire to help its teachers integrate 3D technology into their classrooms. Denver Public Schools is a large district with almost 200 schools in the United States of America. Denver Public Schools’ technology coordinators, Stephanie and Kathleen, had identified a need to provide interested teachers within the district the opportunity to engage in 3D printing. So they researched possible solutions and ended up approaching Makers Empire.

Makers Empire’s Teaching by Design Course endorsed by NESA
Makers Empire’s Teaching by Design Course endorsed by NESA

Makers Empire is delighted to announce that a new Makers Empire course, Teaching by Design, has been endorsed by the New South Wales (NSW) Education Standards Authority at the Highly Åccomplished Teacher level. In NSW, all teachers currently need to undertake 20 hours of professional development each year to maintain their professional accreditation. Teaching by Design is a 10-hour professional learning blended course which builds on our popular Learning by Design course.

Makers Empire’s In App Design Thinking Competition Attracts 24,000 Entries
Makers Empire’s In App Design Thinking Competition Attracts 24,000 Entries

Every month, Makers Empire runs an in-app competition challenging students to come up with a 3D solution to a real-world problem using Makers Empire. Students from all around the world compete to make it into the Hall Of Fame. In May, students submitted 24,000 entries to the Family Treasures competition. Check out the winning designs and learn more about competitions.

8 million designs made using Makers Empire 3D!
8 million designs made using Makers Empire 3D!

Students make 50,000 new 3D designs using Makers Empire every day.

Makers Empire used by 850,000 students and 16,000 teachers in 1,000 schools
Makers Empire used by 850,000 students and 16,000 teachers in 1,000 schools

Makers Empire is being used by 850,000+ students and 16,000+ teachers in 1,000+ elementary, primary and middle schools around the world. Makers Empire is now used in forty countries around the world.

Makers Empire and Adelaide University Deliver Prototyping with 3D Printing Course
Makers Empire and Adelaide University Deliver Prototyping with 3D Printing Course

Following their successful prototyping with 3D printing short course, Makers Empire will be again partnering with the University of Adelaide to deliver a new 3D printing prototyping course for postgraduate students. 3D Print Prototyping is being offered in term 4 of 2019 at the North Terrace campus. It counts as 3 units towards a postgraduate degree. In this course, students will be introduced to a basic overview of additive manufacturing technologies and the prototyping options available.

State Finalist in Telstra Business Awards 2019
State Finalist in Telstra Business Awards 2019

We are thrilled that Makers Empire has been recognised as a State Finalist in the 2019 Telstra Business Awards for the Social Change Maker category. Social Change Makers are organisations where a positive social impact is at the core of their purpose. 21,000 businesses were nominated for the awards, putting Makers Empire in the top 0.8% of nominated businesses.

Mandi Dimitriadis, Director of Learning at Makers Empire, Wins 2019 Winnovation Award
Mandi Dimitriadis, Director of Learning at Makers Empire, Wins 2019 Winnovation Award

We’re thrilled to announce that Mandi Dimitriadis, our wonderful Director of Learning, was declared the winner of the 2019 Winnovation Award in the 'Open' category at a Gala Dinner in Adelaide on October 3rd, 2019. Congratulations, Mandi!! The Winnovation Awards showcase and celebrate the successes of female innovators changing the game in South Australia. Mandi was a finalist in the same awards in 2018. Mandi says, "It was such a thrill to share the night with so many inspirational and amazing women. I am very very proud of this award and the recognition it brings to the work we do at Makers Empire. When I see young people solving genuine problems in their communities it cements my belief that we are doing such important work and makes me hopeful that our future is in good hands. Thank you so much to the Winnovation team and to the awesome people at Sweat for sponsoring this award."

Australian Office Moves to Lot 14 Innovation Hub
Australian Office Moves to Lot 14 Innovation Hub

We have moved into our new office at Lot 14 innovation hub, on the grounds of the old Royal Adelaide Hospital. Lot Fourteen will be the new home of some of the world’s leading companies in emerging technology so we're excited to be joining as founding tenants. Our new address is Lot 14, 3rd Floor, Allied Health Building, North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000 Tel: +61 (0)8 8120 3150

Makers Empire awarded LeanLab Fellowship for research pilot in Kansas schools
Makers Empire awarded LeanLab Fellowship for research pilot in Kansas schools

Makers Empire is proud to announce that we've received a LeanLab fellowship for a research pilot of our 3D learning program so we can develop a better, scientific understanding of how our 3D learning program might best serve American schools. LeanLab is an organisation that builds communities and launches transformational innovations into K12 schools. With their help, Makers Empire is hoping to

Makers Empire Wins EduTech Asia’s Pitch Competition
Makers Empire Wins EduTech Asia’s Pitch Competition

Makers Empire was recently in Singapore for EduTech Asia, Asia's largest education event, to support Macquarie University's presentation about their pioneering research into primary school makerspaces. Co-founder, Anthony, also took part in the first-ever EduTech Asia pitch competition and won! Prizes include entry into the first cohort of the EduSpaze Accelerator, which will help Makers Empire develop our Singapore and South East Asia strategy, and review of our Design Thinking program by the Education Alliance Finland for certification of pedagogical quality.

8 West Melbourne Schools Celebrate STEM Learning funded by Toyota Community Trust
8 West Melbourne Schools Celebrate STEM Learning funded by Toyota Community Trust

Eight schools in Melbourne’s West recently came together for a Showcase Day to celebrate the STEM learning they achieved with a $60,000 grant from the Toyota Community Trust and 3D technology and professional learning delivered by Makers Empire. The schools involved in the West Melbourne 3D Printing in Sc

2020
Makers Empire joins inaugural Eduspaze Program
Makers Empire joins inaugural Eduspaze Program

Makers Empire is delighted to join the inaugural Eduspaze program. EduSpaze is Singapore’s first edtech accelerator supported by Enterprise Singapore, the enterprise development agency. It aims to nurture a vibrant edtech startup ecosystem that serves the education sector in Singapore and Southeast Asia. Eduspaze helps edtech startups go to market, accelerate their growth, and co-innovate with other stakeholders in the space to address sector-specific challenges with innovative solutions that improve learning outcomes and the impact of education.

Makers Empire accredited by Education Alliance Finland for pedagogical quality
Makers Empire accredited by Education Alliance Finland for pedagogical quality

Makers Empire’s pioneering work has been recognised with certification from the Education Alliance Finland for pedagogical quality. According to Education Alliance Finland evaluation, Makers Empire represents high educational quality and is proven to promote learning efficiently.  

Makers Empire Launches Learning at Home Course
Father and daughter using a tablet device together at home

To support teachers, students and families currently experiencing school closures due to COVID-19, our team have been working (remotely) around the clock on a new, FREE Learning at Home course. 

Makers Empire wins EdTech Digest’s Maker/DIY Solution 2020 Award!
Makers Empire wins EdTech Digest’s Maker/DIY Solution 2020 Award!

Makers Empire has is thrilled to announce that we have won the Maker/DIY Solution in the 2020 EdTech Digest awards! The annual awards, now in its tenth year, recognises the best products, companies and leaders in Education Technology around the world, so we're humbled and grateful to have won this award. Congratulations to the other Maker/DIY Solution finalists, Cyanbt's Lab, Sphero, Eduporium and Why Toyz.

Research Study shows Makers Empire Improves Students Spatial Reasoning Skills
Makes Empire spatial reasoning study

The research study showed that students who used Makers Empire experienced, on average, an increase in some spatial reasoning skills and were better able to describe the steps in the process of creating something from scratch.

Makers Empire Partnering with UniSA on spatial reasoning, STEM research study
Makers Empire Partnering with UniSA on spatial reasoning, STEM research study

Makers Empire is participating in research with the University of South Australia to investigate how to improve spatial reasoning and attitudes towards STEM subjects through our patented 3D modelling program.

Makers Empire Recognised In HolonIQ’s Australia-NZ EdTech 50 List
Makers Empire Recognised In HolonIQ’s Australia-NZ EdTech 50 List

The HolonIQ Australia-New Zealand EdTech 50 recognises the most promising EdTech teams based in Australia and New Zealand. There are approximately 750 EdTech companies across Australia and New Zealand supporting learners, teachers, schools, institutions and companies to positively impact educational outcomes, support access to learning and increase the efficiency of educational processes and systems.

8 Sydney Schools Celebrate STEM Learning and Real-World Problem Solving with Makers Empire
8 Sydney Schools Celebrate STEM Learning and Real-World Problem Solving with Makers Empire

Eight Sydney schools recently came together for an online showcase celebrating their students learning about Design Thinking and real-world problem solving with Makers Empire, 3D design and 3D printing. Following on from the 2019 Sydney Maker Pedagogy Network Project, the 2020 Sydney Maker Pedagogy Network Project ran from February to October this year. Taking part were eight Sydney schools and 21 teachers from Berala Public School, Carlingford West Public School, Guildford West Public School, Granville Public School, JJ Cahill Public School, Leppington Public School, Maroubra Junction Public School and Westmead Public School.

2021
Makers Empire Partnering with Synnex
Makers Empire Partnering with Synnex

Makers Empire has partnered with SYNNEX Corporation (NYSE: SNX), an industry leader in IT distribution, to provide Makers Empire to its US education customers.

Makers Empire is Certified by the Educational App Store
Makers Empire is Certified by the Educational App Store

Makers Empire is pleased to announce our accreditation by the Educational App Store. The teacher reviewer wrote: "Makers Empire 3D is by far one of the best 3D computer-aided design applications we have seen. Not only does it come with a user-friendly platform and a variety of features but it also allows you to connect and share with a worldwide user network. Makers Empire 3D comes highly recommended by The EducationalAppStore.com." Check out the full 5-Star review of Makers Empire

Makers Empire Awarded Almost $300K Grant for MakeShop Program for Schools
Makers Empire Awarded Almost $300K Grant for MakeShop Program for Schools

Makers Empire is delighted to announce that we have been awarded almost $300,000 in support from the Marshall Liberal Government. The grant will support the roll-out of Makers Empire’s MakeShop project, which aims to advance our 3D design and 3D printing technology and begin pilot programs in more Australian and international schools. South Australian Minister for Innovation and Skills, David Pisoni, said, “

Sydney Catholic Schools Join Together for STEM Project with Makers Empire
Sydney Catholic Schools Join Together for STEM Project with Makers Empire

The Catholic STEM in Primary Schools 3D Printing Project encourages learning across STEM disciplines by supporting teachers to engage students in exciting, challenging learning connected to solving real-world challenges using Design Thinking. The five NSW schools involved in the Catholic STEM in Primary Schools 3D Printing Project are: Mary Immaculate Primary School; St Anthony of Padua Catholic College; St Francis Xavier’s Catholic Primary School at Lurnea; Our Lady of Mt Carmel Catholic Primary School; and Marion Catholic Primary School at Horsley Park.

Makers Empire Hits 45 Million 3D Designs!
Makers Empire Hits 45 Million 3D Designs!

Makers Empire is thrilled to announce that we have hit 45 million designs made using Makers Empire!

Makers Empire Partners with the Israel Ministry for Education for School Pilot
Makers Empire Partners with the Israel Ministry for Education for School Pilot

Makers Empire is delighted to announce a Ministry of Education school pilot in Israel as part of a municipal initiative by Rishon LeZion Municipality’s Education Department. Rishon LeZion is the fourth-largest city in Israel with 53 elementary schools.

Makers Empire partnering with the University of South Australia for Spatial Reasoning Research Project
Makers Empire partnering with the University of South Australia for Spatial Reasoning Research Project

Makers Empire is excited to be partnering with UniSA Education Futures at the University of South Australia on an innovative research project to measure the impact that 3D learning experiences have on the development of students’ spatial skills and dispositions for STEM learning. Recent research has highlighted the important role that spatial reasoning skills contribute to future success in STEM learning, and STEM-based careers. There is also evidence that spatial skills are malleable and can be improved with practice, particularly at a young age.

Shortlisted for The HundrED’s Global Collection 2022
Shortlisted for The HundrED’s Global Collection 2022

Thrilled to announce that Makers Empire has been shortlisted for the @hundredorg Global Collection 2022 that recognises 100 inspiring, impactful and scalable K12 education innovations around the world

Makers Empire Partnering with Andy Thomas Space Foundation
Makers Empire Partnering with Andy Thomas Space Foundation

The Andy Thomas Space Foundation (ATSF) and Makers Empire today announce an Australia-first pilot program for primary schools, to deliver education in awareness of space career opportunities.

6 West Australian Catholic Schools Team Up for STEM in Primary Schools 3D Printing Project
6 West Australian Catholic Schools Team Up for STEM in Primary Schools 3D Printing Project

Over terms two and three in 2021, six West Australian Catholic schools joined together to participate in a world-leading professional learning program for primary school teachers focused on curriculum-aligned STEM.

Makers Empire Partners with Bushfire Kids Connect to Deliver Bushfire Awareness & Resilience Program
Makers Empire Partners with Bushfire Kids Connect to Deliver Bushfire Awareness & Resilience Program

Adelaide Hills community group, Bushfire Kids Connect, and Makers Empire are happy to announce a new, Australia-first pilot school program to deliver education in bushfire awareness and wellness in time for the upcoming fire season. This pioneering program will be trialled in ten South Australian primary schools in the city, hills and regional communities as a precursor to a larger, Australia-wide program. The participating schools are Annesley Junior College, Lenswood Primary School, Lincoln Gardens Primary School, Lobethal Lutheran School, Lobethal Primary School, Mercedes College, Nazareth College, Port Lincoln Primary School, Scotch College and Stirling East Primary School.

Makers Empire Launches New Notes Feature in the App
Makers Empire Launches New Notes Feature in the App

Makers Empire’s new Notes feature brings a whole new level of interaction and communication opportunities to students’ design-based learning. In this post, we will share our favourite ways of using the Notes feature to enhance classroom teaching and learning.

Makers Empire Honoured by HundrED
Makers Empire Honoured by HundrED

Makers Empire is thrilled to be selected by global education non-profit, HundrED, as one of the top 100 education innovations to watch in 2022. HundrED is a not-for-profit organisation that seeks and shares inspiring innovations in K12 education. Each year, HundrED’s Global Collection celebrates the top 100 most impactful and scalable educator innovations around the world.

Makers Empire Launches AR in Makers Empire 3D App
Makers Empire Launches AR in Makers Empire 3D App

Makers Empire’s new augmented reality (AR) capabilities enable students to visualise and test their 3D designs in authentic, place-based contexts. We are really looking forward to seeing the creative ways students and teachers come up with to enrich learning experiences using this new functionality within Makers Empire’s easy to use 3D design app.

Andy Thomas Space Foundation and Makers Empire to Continue Education Program about Space Career Opportunities
Andy Thomas Space Foundation and Makers Empire to Continue Education Program about Space Career Opportunities

Following a successful pilot with nine South Australian (SA) schools, South Australian Premier Marshall announced on Friday that The Andy Thomas Foundation and Makers Empire will be partnering again in 2022 on a program to deliver education and awareness of the opportunities in space careers to more primary school-aged children in SA.

2022
Pioneering STEM program for Queensland primary schools addresses skills shortages of the future
Pioneering STEM program for Queensland primary schools addresses skills shortages of the future

In February 2022, the Makers Empire team travelled to Queensland to deliver professional development and training to schools in the South West region who are taking part in a pioneering STEM program that aims to provide educators with the tools and knowledge to teach specialist design and technology skills.

Makers Empire Partnering With CITB to Educate Secondary Students About Careers in the Construction Industry
Makers Empire Partnering With CITB to Educate Secondary Students About Careers in the Construction Industry

Makers Empire is partnering and supporting efforts by the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) to help school students in South Australia start learning about careers in construction and imagine an exciting future for the industry.

New Research Shows Makers Empire Improves Spatial Reasoning Skills & Attitudes towards STEM in Children
New Research Shows Makers Empire Improves Spatial Reasoning Skills & Attitudes towards STEM in Children

A new Australian university research study reveals compelling evidence that using the Makers Empire 3D learning program can significantly improve primary school students’ spatial reasoning skills, whilst also improving student’s attitudes and positive feelings towards STEM and Design Thinking.

SA Water and Makers Empire Celebrate Successful Water Warriors Program
SA Water and Makers Empire Celebrate Successful Water Warriors Program

Last week, SA Water and Makers Empire celebrated an exciting new partnership delivering education in sustainable water management, with an expo-style showcase at Lot Fourteen involving 12 South Australian schools sharing their projects with each other.

Makers Empire Partners with NT Education Department to Deliver STEM Program to 15 Schools
Makers Empire Partners with NT Education Department to Deliver STEM Program to 15 Schools

Makers Empire recently partnered with the Northern Territory’s (NT) Education Department to deliver curriculum-aligned STEM learning and Design Thinking to 15 NT schools via our Learning by Design course.

Makers Empire launches Kids in Space powered by the Andy Thomas Space Foundation and the Australian Space Agency
Makers Empire launches Kids in Space powered by the Andy Thomas Space Foundation and the Australian Space Agency

The Andy Thomas Space Foundation in partnership with the Australian Space Agency is proud to announce the 2023 Kids in Space national program. This Australian-first program will engage 65+ schools across each state and territory in a space themed, technology-based, design thinking project – delivered by Australian-owned and operated EduTech start-up, Makers Empire.

2023
Makers Empire Launch Managed Term Projects & Pilots
Makers Empire Launch Managed Term Projects & Pilots

After a successful trial, Makers Empire has launched a program of managed term project or pilots,  designed to be delivered to groups of schools to maximise learning opportunities. Over the course of a term, teachers will explore a Challenge Course with students aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Understand how to use 3D technology to plan, teach and assess Design & Technology and Engineering curriculum for K-8 students.

Celebrating Chinese-Australians
Celebrating Chinese-Australians

This new free education program by Makers Empire in partnership with the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations promotes multiculturalism. Celebrating Chinese-Australians celebrates the contributions and achievements of the Chinese community in Australia – both past and present – via a new, interactive Challenge Course in the Makers Empire 3D design app as well as a national competition. $3,500 Makers Empire 3D Printer Packages for schools as well as gift cards and cool Makers Empire merchandise up for grabs.  Learn more and register now for term 2 or 3.

National space education program, Kids in Space, blasts off
National space education program, Kids in Space, blasts off

Following successful pilot programs, Makers Empire, The Andy Thomas Space Foundation and The Australian Space Agency and are partnering to deliver a new, national space education program for 65+ primary schools throughout Australia called Kids in Space. This pioneering new program is designed to deliver education and awareness of the opportunities in space careers to Australian primary school-aged children.

Makers Empire is B Corp Certified
Makers Empire is B Corp Certified

Makers Empire is delighted to announce that we have been certified as a B Corporation™ (B Corp™). This certification validates the company’s commitment towards being a force for good alongside creating market-leading EdTech products and programs for schools, teachers and students.