During his PhD in Evolutionary Robotics, Siavash Mahdavi developed software that was able to design complex lattice structures which could be manufactured through additive manufacturing (more commonly known as 3D Printing). He established Within Technologies, a software house that specialises in the development of software for the medical and aerospace industries in 2008. This technology has been used in the aerospace sector to design lightweight yet strong components while in the medical sector, other software has resulted in the design and manufacture of complex porous structures that are ideally suited to bone in-growth into orthopedic implants. In 2008 he also launched Digital Forming, a company that is making use of 3D printing to enable the mass customisation of consumer products for high-street brands. Both companies were recently featured in the Economist in a cover story entitled "The manufacturing technology that will change the world".
About TEDx
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)