From Curiosity to Careers: Bambu Lab’s partnership with the Sanjay Mortimer Foundation
- Jessica Rachid
- Oct 14
- 5 min read
The Sanjay Mortimer Foundation couldn’t be prouder to partner with Bambu Lab. Their funding pipeline and invaluable support are helping neurodivergent young people in STEM transform curiosity into confidence, and confidence into careers.
The SMF was founded in memory of Sanjay Mortimer - a true pioneer in 3D printing - and continues his legacy by empowering neurodiverse young people to recognise and develop their unique talents through engineering and making.
Our vision is simple yet powerful: a world where neurodiverse young people are empowered to thrive in life.
The positive impact is clear: with Bambu Lab printers, our young people are turning ideas into real, high-quality designs and even into paid work.
For Ciaran, it means expanding a small business he started at just 13 years old and now his orders are flying out the door. For Henry, it means moving from an old, unreliable 3D printer, to creating parts for prosthetics and accessible tech. For Alexis, owning a Bambu Printer has changed her life:
“The Bambu Lab X1 Carbon Combo has transformed my 3D-printing journey, from hobbyist to fully realising my ideas in multiple colours and materials, at high quality. The SOLIDWORKS licence lets me use industry-standard tools to create more complex designs for myself and others.”
Alexis
These are not ordinary donations; these are lifelines to empowerment, careers and creativity, made possible by Bambu Lab.
How Royalties Fund Futures
Bambu Lab’s aftermarket approach has turned printer upgrades into new opportunities for our SMF Stars. Through collaborations with E3D ObXidian HotEnd for X1/P1 and later DiamondBack, they made the decision to give the licence fee back to the community.
Half of that fee is donated directly to the SMF, in recognition of Sanjay’s contribution to the community and the 3D printing industry. The other supports another non-profit in the 3D printing arena.
This generosity has allowed the SMF to transform royalties into opportunities for neurodivergent young people who want to follow in Sanjay Mortimer’s footsteps and pursue a career in STEM. We are a small team, here at SMF, and with Bambu Lab’s collaboration, we have a sustainable pipeline which allows us to do the work we love. Every single time someone chooses an E3D ObXidian or DiamondBack upgrade for their Bambu printer, part of that purchase helps a young maker take their next step.
Raffles, Bids & Real Impact at SMRRF
Bambu Lab didn’t stop there. Each year, the Sanjay Mortimer Foundation hosts SMRRF - the UK’s hottest RepRap 3D-printing festival - where the community gathers for workshops, live demos, and to meet our rising SMF Stars in STEM. But the festival isn’t only about innovation, it’s a vital fundraiser.
In June 2022, at our very first SMF fundraiser, Bambu Lab truly shook the 3D printing world by donating a limited-edition X1 Carbon Combo, personally signed by founder Dr Ye Tao. As the first of its kind, it was the printer everyone was desperate to get their hands on - and we were honoured to have it in our auction. When it opened as Lot 1, the room buzzed with excitement, and in a single breath-taking round of bids, £4,550 was raised - a real moment in history.
“We may be new to the market, but we have heard a lot about E3D and Sanjay Mortimer even before we started this company. We are saddened to hear of Sanjay's passing, at such a young age. It is a true loss of the whole 3D printing community.
As a new member of the community, we want to make our contribution following the steps Sanjay took. With that in mind, we would like to donate a Bambu Lab X1 Carbon Combo with our founder's signature, to the Sanjay Mortimer Foundation as a raffle prize.”
Dr Jianjia Ma, Bambu Lab
This wasn’t a one-off. At SMRRF 23, Bambu Lab did it again, this time donating a P1S for our Auction. The following year, an A1 Combo made it into the raffle - the most sought-after prize in the room. The sheer excitement it generated sent raffle ticket sales through the roof. Once again, raising valuable funds for the foundation.
Finally, over the years, they've also made it possible for key creators to attend SMRRF, including Fulv and 3DPrintBunny, and have taken to the stage to share their latest news and innovations. Their popularity reliably brings the crowds, turning festival buzz into real backing for our Stars, we couldn’t be more grateful.
Bambu Lab’s Rising Stars
"As a teenager having a Bambu Lab X1 Carbon printer has been a game-changer for my business printiv8tion. I've doubled my production speed, which means happier customers and a much smoother workflow."
Ciaran
Ciaran was 13 when SMF support began. His autism brought challenges with anxiety, traditional teaching methods, and social skills, but his passion for engineering and making started to turn things around. By surrounding himself with people who shared his interests, especially in 3D printing, Ciaran found a community where he belonged.
Through SMF support, including a Bambu Lab X1 Carbon Combo, a Falcon laser engraver, CAD lessons, and mentoring with innovator Ben Edmonds, Ciaran discovered focus, direction, and the confidence to grow both his business and himself.
“SMRRF was amazing. I actually felt like I fit in there. Everyone had the same interests as me and I could talk more at ease because I know about 3D printing and feel more confident talking about things that interest me. There was so much to see, and it was fascinating. I enjoyed meeting everyone from all over the world.”
Ciaran
He also achieved something he once believed was impossible - taking to the stage to share his story, not once but twice, in Manchester and Amsterdam. For Ciaran, this was more than public speaking; it was a moment of courage and transformation. Surrounded by the SMF community, he discovered not only a voice but a true sense of belonging.
Ciaran is far from alone. Time and time again, our SMF Stars request Bambu Lab printers to fuel their exploration of innovation and creativity - Sam, Ethan, Ted, Alexis, Henry… the list goes on. These printers are more than just machines; they are cutting-edge tools that combine precision, speed, and reliability, opening a world of possibilities for design, prototyping, and hands-on learning. Their exceptional build quality, versatility, and ease of use allow our SMF Stars to push boundaries, experiment freely, and bring their ideas to life in ways that were previously unimaginable. The continued demand for Bambu printers speaks volumes about their transformative impact on young makers.
Join Us for SMRRF 2026
This is why the SMF are so proud of our partnership with Bambu Lab. They do far more than put a printer on a desk - they equip young makers with skills in hand, a stage to be seen, and a community to belong to. It is breaking down barriers for neurodivergent young people seeking where they truly belong.
If you would like to support SMF, please help us spread the word and join us at SMRRF 2026. You will get to experience two incredibly days in Manchester Metropolitan University with top 3D printing organisations, including Bambu Lab, plus be in with a chance to win once-in-a-lifetime prizes.
All proceeds go towards our work in helping young people do what they are passionate about.
Can’t make it?
You can still help by sharing this link with a friend, inviting your team, sponsoring a maker or donating a prize for our raffle.
If your organisation is interested in corporate partnerships with the SMF, please don't hesitate to reach out to us to discuss a bespoke package that works for you.
Please get in touch: info@sanjaymortimerfoundation.org
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