Carekathon 2026: A 3D-Printing Challenge with Real-World Impact

Real Patient, Real Impact

Meet Pedro, a 40-year-old father of two from Spain. After a severe septic shock, he lost all his fingers and toes. Pedro is highly motivated to regain his daily independence, and this is where you come in. In this challenge, you will design and 3D-print assistive devices tailored to his real-world needs. Working in teams, you will focus on one of six challenge areas, such as baby care, household, or work, with one goal: improving his everyday quality of life.

The best part? Pedro and his family will join the event to give you direct feedback. The selected designs will be printed and given to Pedro for actual daily use. So bring your skills and create a prototype that makes a real difference!

When and where

The challenge starts with a virtual kick-off on 29 October 2026. The main event follows on 5 and 6 November 2026, taking place simultaneously and on-site at three UNINOVIS partner universities:

• Universidad de Málaga (Spain)
• Tampere University of Applied Sciences (Finland)
• Technische Hochschule Würzburg-Schweinfurt (Germany)

Who can join?

The challenge is open to all students in engineering (such as mechanical, industrial, biomedical, or computer science) and health sciences (such as occupational therapy, nursing, physical therapy, or social work) at UNINOVIS partner institutions. No prior 3D-printing experience is required, and participation is free of charge.

Registration & Contact

Students from the Universidad de Málaga can register for the Carekathon via the official registration form. The registration deadline is 14 October 2026.

Supported by

• Grupo LOGSA Medical Devices
• Colegio Oficial de Ingenieros Industriales de Andalucía Oriental
• COPITI (Colegio Oficial de Peritos e Ingenieros Técnicos Industriales de Málaga)