Kids, Code, and Capital: 3DE Club Launches New Platform for Young Innovators

On January 25th, 2026, the Museum of Art & History (MAH) hosted the launch event of the 3D Entrepreneurs (3DE) Club's new ed-tech entrepreneurship platform, which brought together educators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. The 3DE after-school program empowers kids (ages 8–12) to design, 3D print, and sell their own 3D-printed toys and products. Fostering creativity, business, and financial literacy from an early age.

Following successful pilot programs in both private and public schools in 2025, 3DE Club has officially launched its after-school hybrid entrepreneurship ed-tech platform. Expanding their hybrid after-school program to 10 elementary schools across the Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay Area, providing approximately 1,000 students (ages 8-12) with hands-on experience in 3D technology, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy, with a particular focus on supporting youth from low-income families.

The event featured a fireside chat with JoeBen Bevirt, founder of Joby Aviation, moderated by Doug Erickson, Executive Director of Santa Cruz Works. JoeBen shared insights from his journey as a founder and emphasized the importance of curiosity, resilience, and hands-on learning in shaping the next generation of innovators.

A panel discussion on Preparing Our Youth for the AI-Driven Future, the panelists include Jason Borgen (CTO, Santa Cruz County Office of Education), Amelia Eichel (CEO, Wonderfil), and Sol Lipman (CEO, DRIVR) - Moderated by Jeremy Neuner (Google Partnerships).

3DE’s kid members pitched their 3D printed creations in a Shark Tank-style presentation. Parent and educator program Reviews from Joe Madden (CEO, Futir) and Eric Gross (Head of Pacific Elementary School), highlighting the value of entrepreneurship education in building future-ready students. 

"The project has the potential to prepare kids for an emergent future that is categorically different from what their parents and teachers know" - Eric Gross, Superintendent, Pacific Elementary School

Congressman Jimmy Pannetta, U.S. Representative for California’s 19th District, presented 3DE Club with a certificate of Special Congressional Recognition. The launch celebration culminated in a digital ribbon-cutting led by Tanner J. Rowland, Congressional Aide to Congressman Jimmy Panetta, officially launching the 3DE Club platform — accepted by Bobby Roy, Founder and Learning Architect of 3DE Club, alongside the 3DE Club kid members.