With the onset of the pandemic, the young start-up quickly found an alternative to its core industry – the orthotic and prosthetic field,which was sure to slow down considerably for a prolonged period. ” The team asked itself: what do we do in the meantime? ” explains Francis Dion, Executive President of Shapeshift3D.

Given its expertise in creating skates adapted to individual athletes, Shapeshift3D thought to explore the feasibility of designing a mask based on the characteristics found in a N-95 mask. The company had to answer the following two questions: (i) could it adapt its software for face scanning and (ii) could it design a mask with innovative and interesting features? A firt mask design and a pre-concept test were completed within a 24-hour period and confirmedthis possibility.

Francis Dion explains that none of the masks available on the market meet three important safety requirements. He further explains that most of the masks have serious technical issues. These include the accumulation of CO2 inside some masks and the significat risk of poisoning an individual.

Shapeshift3D used its algorithms, which have the ability to adjust an object to specificall fit an individual, to customize a mask that meets four safety criteria: ensuring the mask is airtight, maximizing the filtation surface, minimizing the interior volume and ofering optimal comfort.

With this breakthrough, Shapeshift3D has been able to gain a significat support for its adjustable mask project.

The software company, established in September 2019, had some initial funding challenges before its prototype was completed. However, it has now received $500,000 in bank and government financing, a significat amount that has made all the diference for the team. An addition $20,000 was raised from a Kickstarter campaign. Pivoting towards the mask project has also allowed Shapeshift3D to expand its network and establish partnerships with major global players, including HP and 3M.

As the idea has continued to grow, the Ministry of Economy and Innovation has awarded a $250,000 grant to the Shapeshift3D project. ” The grants enabled us to accelerate our projects, expand the team and get the job done. We can call the custom mask project a revelation, ” says Francis Dion.

The company since added new customers wanting to improve the safety and comfort of their employees, validate the efectiveness of masks worn in conditions specificto their industry (prolonged wear, extreme heat, etc.) and reduce their costs while being more eco-friendly.