Form5 2019-2021 Milestones
The past three years have been quite a blur for many, not to mention the looming global pandemic. So, Form5 has compiled all its BIG milestones and accomplishments from 2019, 2020, and 2021 into one blog post.
Ohio Prosthetics Initiative (2019)
Founder & CEO Aaron Westbrook advocated on behalf of the limb difference community, the research of Form5, and others pushing for regulatory reform resulting in amended legislation around prosthetics manufacturing. This change allows for emerging industries, like Additive Manufacturing, to leverage new technology in the production of prosthetics in the state of Ohio. Aaron spoke in a Press Conference with Lt. Governor Jon Husted on July 13, 2019, and you can watch it HERE.
Launched CO-FAB x Form5 (2019)
In 2019, Form5 initiated its CO-FAB Workshop, which brings recipients, high-school & college students, and industry professionals together for a six-week design sprint, ultimately developing new prosthetics for individuals with limb differences. CO-FAB is facilitated by experts from American Electric Power, Battelle, Honda R&D, and Design Central. Watch the video produced about CO-FAB 2020 HERE. Form5 is excited about expanding CO-FAB, hosting two workshops in 2022!
Form5’s Pivot To PPE (2020)
When the COVID-19 pandemic broke, Form5 Prosthetics pivoted its entire production to 3-D printing its patented, reusable face shields to help combat the spread of the Coronavirus. Form5’s robust volunteer network, board, and committee members applied their passion and skills to empower people to successfully interact with their world and their future amidst a global pandemic. Form5 manufactured and donated 6,000+ face shields in 2020. The newfound knowledge, expanded vision, and increased resources that Form5 gained from this experience will only enable greater impact in the community. You learn can more about Form5’s Pivot to PPE HERE.
SEA Change (2020)
Outlined in Form5’s 2020-2023 strategic plan, included Founder & CEO, Aaron Westbrook’s participation in a social enterprise accelerator hosted by SEA Change Columbus. Through 14-weeks of coursework over the summer of 2020, Aaron and the Form5 team explored earned revenue models, aiming to create a sustainable business model that maximizes Form5’s mission impact to its full potential! Out of over a dozen participants, Form5 was one of 7 finalists and was awarded a grant of $20,000.
Innovation that Empowers (2021)
In 2021, Form5 transitioned back to its core mission, again innovating custom-application devices to empower individuals with limb differences to embrace their future. Form5’s Innovation & Technology Committee took on new projects, kicking off plans for product development and scale. Additionally, Form5 resumed its research and development of 3D printer filament derived from recycled plastics. Form5 received a grant from the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio, fostering a partnership that will lead to local waste diversion and the production of eco-friendly products.
To accomplish all this, Form5 partnered with the Ohio Department of Development to increase human resource capacity, leveraging the Diversity & Inclusion Internship Program to hire Form5’s first interns over the summer. We are looking forward to offering internships in 2022, be on the lookout for more information in February!
Forming Strong Leadership (2021)
Form5’s recent growth is greatly attributed to its past and current leadership! Form5’s board will expand again from 9 to 12 members in 2022. The Form5 board is a passionate group of professionals with expertise in design, fundraising, medicine, accounting, engineering, and more. Meet the Team HERE.
As Form5 evolves, its leadership is dedicated to continuing groundbreaking innovation and rapid business development, serving to empower those with limb differences.
You are the momentum behind the advancements of Form5’s mission and impact over the last 4 years. Thank you for your support and for being a part of this journey forward!