Success for UWTSD graduate at the Wales StartUp Awards Finals
Entrepreneur and University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) alumnus, Ken Pearce has received the Graduate StartUp of the Year Award for his 3D printing company at the Wales finals of the StartUp Awards 2023.
The StartUp Awards was established in 2022 to celebrate the achievements of entrepreneurs across nine UK nations and regions, in all sectors of the economy.
This year’s Wales StartUp Awards ceremony was held in Cardiff on 22nd June and recognised individuals like UWTSD graduate, Ken Pearce, who have turned an idea into opportunity and taken the risk to launch a new product or service.
Ken said: “I am delighted that the company’s hard work has been recognised with the Graduate Startup Award. I would like to extend my gratitude to University of Wales Trinity Saint David for equipping me with the knowledge and skills that have been instrumental in achieving this milestone.”
Kathryn Penaluna, Associate Professor in Enterprise Education at UWTSD said: “Ken demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit throughout his studies, using his creativity to spot opportunities and his design understandings to solve problems for others.”
Ken founded the 3D printing company Lunia3D in 2020 after realising the versatility of the process whilst a student of Product Design and Technology at UWTSD’s Swansea campus.
The business began with the creation of face shields to protect local care-workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Ken then partnered with an old school friend, Yousef Ahmed, an engineering graduate.
Together they expanded Lunia3D and today they have over 10 3D printers working nearly 24/7, bringing vision to life through this cutting edge technology.
Lunia3D are truly pushing the boundaries for 3D printing and are contributing to Wales’ growing reputation as a hub for technological innovation.
A recent project has seen them bring ancient sharks to life through the 3D printing of life-sized Megladon and Great White Shark teeth from scans of original fossils. These creations are now inspiring the next generation of oceanographers and scientists at Techniquest’s Ocean Extravaganza.
More broadly, Lunia 3D has worked for a wide range of industries producing 3D printed parts including classic cars, woodworkers, architectural models, hobby trains/scenery, cosplaying props, replacement parts, home ornaments, fashion accessories and more.
Ken said: “Our journey has just begun. Lunia3D will continue to strive, explore, and print the future.”
Note to Editor
The StartUp Awards is a collaboration between the founders of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, and the Wales Start-Up Awards is the only regional awards currently celebrating new businesses in the UK.
Further Information
Mared Anthony
Communications and PR Officer: Alumni Relations
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: mared.anthony@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: +447482256996