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Acknowledge the complexity of the world and resist the impression that you easily understand it. People are too quick to accept conventional wisdom, because it sounds basically true and it tends to be reinforced by both their peers and opinion leaders, many of whom have never looked at whether the facts support the received wisdom. It’s a basic fact of life that many things ‘everybody knows’ turn out to be wrong. -Jim Rogers
Hi There,
I hope your Summer is going well!
Summer always sparks my imagination, and I find myself dreaming of embarking on a global journey—exploring every cutting-edge 3D technology company and research lab across the world. I picture myself wandering from one innovation hub to the next, pondering the future of technology and chronicling my adventures in a “Lonely Planet” guide to our extraordinary universe.
That’s how I discovered Jim Rogers, also known as the motorcycle investor, and finished his final book Street Smarts recently. This book is less a prescriptive guide to markets than a well-travelled raconteur’s scrapbook, brimming with anecdotes, aphorisms, and the kind of seasoned perspective that only comes from decades spent navigating the world’s highways, byways, “black markets”, and trading floors. Rogers, ever the philosopher-investor, invites readers to don his well-worn boots and see the world through a lens that is equal parts investor’s acumen and Socratic curiosity. Yet, as with any tale spun by an old hand, it is essential to distinguish between the wisdom of experience and the certainty of truth—a distinction Rogers himself would likely endorse.
Written in 2013, Street Smarts now reads as both a time capsule and a springboard. Rogers’ observations on China, Myanmar, and North Korea were bold at the time, but the last decade has proven the future rarely unfolds as expected—China’s trajectory, Myanmar’s turmoil, and North Korea’s continued isolation all defy neat prediction. (The perils of all forecasts.) Still, the broader themes Rogers explores—policy cycles, economic history’s penchant for repetition, and the ever-present need for independent thought—resonate with uncanny relevance in today’s news cycles.
The book’s greatest value may lie not in its forecasts, but in its encouragement to question consensus, embrace global curiosity, and recognize the limits of any single perspective. As a reader, one is reminded that Rogers’ “truths” are, in the end, stories—provocative, instructive, but always in need of one’s own research and reflection. After all, when Rogers penned these pages, Donald Trump was just another colorful New York character, not a harbinger of political upheaval. The world, it seems, is always ready to surprise even its most intrepid explorers.
Let’s now re-focus on our universe.
Developments in healthcare 3D printing and bioprinting have shown increasing maturity across regenerative medicine, personalized dentistry, point of care delivery, advanced biomaterials, and beyond. There is a growing alignment between technology readiness and real-world impact.
Adding Computing Power to Bioprinting
Added computing power and new AI algorithms could be a game changer to the nascent biofabricaiton industry. We are seeing a uptick of publications leveraging the latest computing and AI power to tackle some of the hardest problems in bioengineering. For example, a recent publication from NUS introduces a novel 3D bioprinting approach that uses an AI-optimized, polysaccharide/fibrinogen-based bioink to fabricate personalized, shape-controlled oral soft tissue grafts with high cellular viability and structural fidelity. In other news, researchers at Stanford have developed a groundbreaking algorithm that designs complex, organ-scale vascular networks for 3D-printed hearts up to 200 times faster than previous methods, significantly advancing the scalability of bioprinted tissues by ensuring every cell is supplied with blood. Published in Science, this platform not only generates realistic vascular trees tailored to unique organ shapes but also translates them into 3D printer instructions, marking a critical step toward fabricating functional, transplantable human organs.
Complementing these academic advances, 3DHEALS recently invited scientific and industrial leaders to showcase how artificial intelligence is changing the landscape of medical 3D printing and bioprinting. AI is rapidly transforming medical additive manufacturing by automating complex design decisions, optimizing multi-parameter processes, and making personalized healthcare solutions scalable and accessible. Experts highlighted practical applications ranging from AI-driven customization of silicone implants in plastic surgery—demonstrated by FITme’s technology supporting over 30,000 cases—to AI-optimized dental bioprinting processes at the National University of Singapore that accelerate the creation of personalized gum tissue constructs and address global oral health burdens. Business leaders explained how advanced monitoring and real-time adjustments, as implemented by EOS Additive Minds, democratize access to additive manufacturing, while Cosm Medical illustrated the life-changing impact of AI-powered gynecologic devices for women’s health. This conversation suggests that AI may be the key to breaking down long-standing barriers to adoption in 3D printing, turning expertise-heavy workflows into reliable, patient-centered solutions and paving the way for broader clinical impact. You can find the on-demand event recording here. For those who are more auditory-oriented, you can also listen to the recording on the Lattice Podcast.
Regenerative Medicine Advances
In regenerative medicine, advances like Stony Brook’s TRACE Techand Stanford’s vascular modeling algorithm are enabling faster, more efficient tissue engineering and organ biofabrication. Bioprinted brain models and neural scaffolds are offering tools to simulate neurodegenerative diseases, while pancreatic ECM bioinks maintain insulin-producing cells for diabetes research. These technologies are converging on clinically translatable solutions that move beyond the lab into therapeutic pipelines. From an investment perspective, early-stage opportunities lie in platforms with preclinical validation and a clear regulatory strategy.
Digital Dentistry Innovations
Personalized and digital dentistry is rapidly emerging as a key adopter of 3D printing. Stratasys’ FDA-cleared TrueDent enables full-color prosthodontics, while Boston Micro Fabrication’s UltraThineer veneers and FIDENTIS’ robotic multi-material printing demonstrate breakthroughs in cosmetic and functional dental care. Even the U.S. Army is exploring on-site dental fabrication. This sector is ripe for mid-stage investments in integrated dental tech firms with material, hardware, and software capabilities.
Point-Of-Care 3D Printing Goes Global
Ricoh’s hospital-based device manufacturing, and Carle Hospital’s use of surgical models show how point-of-care production is becoming a viable model. MGA’s NGO-led initiatives are attempting to embed 3D printing into global health systems. What used to be once-in-a-lifetime 3D print may soon come to a hospital near you in the community setting.
Sustainable and Functional Materials
Materials innovation continues to evolve. MIT’s recyclable dual-light resin, sorghum-based bioinks from the University of Arkansas, and antimicrobial polymer blends are paving the way for sustainable and safe manufacturing. The FDA’s approval of TISSIUM’s sutureless nerve repair device further validates material science’s growing role. Startups in this space benefit from regulatory milestones that de-risk scale-up and partnership with surgical or pharmaceutical OEMs.
Investment Outlook
For investors, the overall medical 3D printing industry is maturing, now with distinct sectors such as the orthopedic implant sector as mid-stage investment opportunity that include revenue-generating companies with clear regulatory paths. While bioprinting/biofabrication startups are still considered exploratory and early-stage, the current environment of gene and cell therapy could enable more critical strategic partnership and even exits with larger pharmaceutical companies.
3DHEALS Events
You can find all of our past and upcoming events here.
July 17th -Bioprinting Frontier
August 14th – 3D Printed Drugs
September 4th – Advanced Biomaterials
Feel free to apply to speak.
Please make sure you’re subscribed to our event newsletter!
Podcasts
How does one get into the habit of listening to podcasts? This is increasingly an invaluable resources for many to get news, insights, and informational edge.
Answer: Get a dog. =)
Anyways, here are two of my latest new favorites:
“Unravel the business of science with BioSpace. We dive into biopharma’s top stories and biggest challenges, whether it’s layoffs, pipeline shake-ups, acquisitions, new FDA approvals or how to regulate AI in drug development.”
One of the most timely and informative pharma news and insights with industry leaders and takeaways from major conferences and policy changes on a daily basis. This significantly expanded my awareness of the entire ecosystem of biotechnology, life science, and healthcare.
Do I think the big pharmas are evil?
Short answer: No.
Longer answer: If you believe that diseases and suffering are evil, within the entire healthcare system, pharma companies (and medical device companies) perhaps have the most productive and measurable outcomes in tackling those evils in life.
A lot more than healthcare insurance companies and public healthcare organizations. Yes, the extraordinary price tags on some of the medications we need are perhaps exacerbating, but without an incentive structure to promote innovation and commercialization, sometimes on an urgent timeline, human race could have been extinct several times in history. As Jim Roger’s quote at the beginning of this newsletter, the world is more complex than people can perceive from the outside due to information disadvantage. One must put efforts into digging into the nuances of the complexity of the economics of healthcare, which clearly is failing in the U.S. from an outcome perspective.
“In Good Company” is the flagship podcast of Norges Bank Investment Management, offering listeners rare access to candid, in-depth conversations with CEOs and thought leaders from some of the world’s most influential companies and institutions. Each episode, host Nicolai Tangen—CEO of the Norwegian sovereign wealth fund—sits down with figures ranging from tech pioneers and pharmaceutical innovators to global financiers and policymakers, exploring topics such as leadership, corporate strategy, technological disruption, and the evolving relationship between major investors and the companies they own. The podcast stands out for its transparency and breadth, providing not only insights into the fund’s investment philosophy but also a behind-the-scenes look at how global business leaders navigate complexity, risk, and transformation in their respective industries.
Conversions you and I probably don’t have a chance to have directly.
Nicolai Tangen brings a unique blend of investment acumen, intellectual curiosity, and conversational wit to his role as host. He was in fact trained as an interrogator early in his career.
Known for his direct yet engaging interview style, Tangen draws out practical lessons and personal stories from his guests, turning each episode into a masterclass on leadership and decision-making at the highest level. Whether he’s discussing AI’s impact on the workforce with academic experts, unpacking sustainability strategies with industrial CEOs, or probing the future of finance with Wall Street titans, Tangen ensures the conversations are both accessible and thought-provoking. For professionals, investors, and anyone interested in the mechanics of global business, “In Good Company” is a rare window into the minds shaping the world economy.
I also like its Youtube version because it is comforting to know that you don’t need to look like Taylor Swift to succeed in podcasting. 😉
News & Thoughts
News in 3D Printing, Biotech & MedTech
Check out this experimental podcast using the latest AI-tools for ease of consumption:
🚀 3D Bioprinting Booming—But Patent Laws May Be Holding It Back
University of Queensland researchers warn that overly realistic bioprinted tissues may not qualify for patents, which could hinder innovation and funding in the rapidly growing bioprinting industry.
🚨 U.S. Army Aims to Produce 3D-Printed Skin for Battlefield Injuries
A collaboration with the University of Hawaii explores field-deployable 3D bioprinting labs to treat wounds, infections, and burns on the battlefield.
🧬 Stony Brook’s TRACE Tech Speeds Up Collagen Assembly for Bioprinting
TRACE technology accelerates the assembly of collagen, improving the speed and quality of biofabricated tissue constructs.
♻️ MIT’s New Dual-Light Resin Reduces Waste in 3D Printing
MIT researchers have created a resin that allows for dissolvable supports and recycling on-site, enabling more complex and sustainable 3D prints.
🦷 Stratasys Launches FDA-Cleared Full-Color Dentures Resin
TrueDent is the first monolithic, full-color 3D-printed denture resin cleared by the FDA, improving dental workflows and aesthetics.
✨ Boston Micro Fabrication’s UltraThineer Veneers Debut
At only 0.12 mm thick, these zirconia veneers hide deep stains without invasive prep, offering a cosmetic dentistry breakthrough.
🚀 FIDENTIS Redefines Dentures with Multimaterial 3D Printing
This German medtech startup uses robotic powder bed fusion to create single-step, custom-fit prostheses.
🦷 U.S. Army Explores 3D Printing for Field Dental Care
A demo shows how 3D printing can support on-demand dental treatment in military settings.
🩺 NGO-Led Initiative Pushes 3D Printing into Healthcare Systems
MGA’s strategy links prosthetics, implants, and hospital networks to integrate 3D printing in clinical practice.
🪠 Antimicrobial Polymer for 3D-Printed Medical Devices
A new polymer blend eliminates bacteria like E. coli and S. aureus, boosting infection control in surgical applications.
🫠 Stanford Algorithm Speeds Design of Bioprinted Organs
Generates vascular trees for organ printing 200x faster than previous methods, accelerating regenerative medicine.
✨ Vietnam Performs First 3D-Printed Femur Transplant in Child
An 8-year-old received a custom 3D-printed titanium femur, preserving limb function in a pediatric cancer case.
🏃♂️ Nike Air Max 1000 Features 3D-Printed Midsoles
Nike integrates 3D-printed components for custom fit and enhanced performance in its latest sneaker drop.
🧬 New Models Use 3D Bioscaffolds to Study Neural Diseases
Research shows that 3D-printed scaffolds help differentiate neural progenitors into motor neurons for disease modeling.
🏥 Ricoh 3D for Healthcare Launches Hospital-Ready Solutions
Ricoh introduces on-site 3D printing capabilities to hospitals for custom patient-specific medical devices.
🧠 Bioprinted Brain Model Mimics Real Neural Networks
A brain-like 3D model shows aligned axons and degenerative responses for studying diseases like Alzheimer’s.
🖌️ 3D Printing Improves Reconstructive Surgery at Carle
A surgeon and medical student team up to use 3D models for personalized, accurate surgical planning.
🍬 Personalized 3D-Printed Gummies for Nutrition
A new platform delivers micronutrients via custom-shaped gummies to address nutritional deficiencies.
🍬 Custom Gummy Formulation Optimized with Ink-Gel Technology
A novel approach to control nutrient delivery using printed gummies based on personal dietary data.
🚨 UT Austin Unlocks 3D Printing for Stretchable Electronics
New techniques enable fabrication of wearable and flexible medical electronics with greater durability.
🧪 First Patient Treated with Bioengineered External Liver
The miroliverELAP™ system helps patients with acute liver failure avoid transplants. Clinical trial underway.
🧹 3D-Printed Scaffolds Treat Chronic Wounds
Customized, biocompatible scaffolds aid healing of chronic skin wounds with improved patient outcomes.
⭐ Bioink Platform Advances Type 1 Diabetes Therapy
Human pancreatic ECM bioink maintains islet viability and insulin secretion for more than 21 days in 3D models.
🚀 Sorghum-Based Bioink Opens New Food and Pharma Possibilities
A drought-tolerant, gluten-free sorghum bioink could be used for printing edible gels and medical delivery systems.
🚨 FDA Approves First 3D-Printed Sutureless Nerve Repair Device
3D Systems and TISSIUM’s new device uses light-activated bonding to repair nerves without stitches.
✨ UK’s Bristol NHS Trust Opens 3D Medical Centre
Combining scanning, design, and printing in-house, the center supports personalized surgical tools and prosthetics for patients of all ages.
Books
The last book by Jim Rogers. The book was written in 2013, but many macro perspectives are surprisingly relevant to current world events. It is harder than chewing nails to bet as a contrarian and get the macro predictions right and Rogers has been one of the most successful one over time.This is one book provoke deep thoughts, and is worth a read.
Related Links:
Life Is A Poker Game, President Trump’s Healthcare Agenda
The Illusion of Permanence, SHPWQ
May Newsletter: “Chip War”, True Frontier
April Newsletter: Are You A Neophiliac?
Year of Dragon 2024: Everyone Was Wrong in 2023
Lattice October 2023 Newsletter: “Elon Musk”
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