Thinking Huts
Uses architectural 3D printing to build sustainable, solar-powered schools in developing countries to address infrastructure barriers.
- CEO / Founder
- Maggie Grout
- Team Size
- 11-50
- Stage
- Active
- Total Funding
- $1.3M
- Latest Round
- Crowdfunding
- Key Investors
- Logitech, SEED Madagascar, various private donors via Every.org
Technology & Products
Key Products
Honeycomb Campus; 3D printed schools
Technological Advantage
Scalable 3D printed education solutions aligned with SDGs 4 and 9; integration of solar and Wi-Fi into 3D printed structures.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Increases global access to education by reducing school construction lead times and costs through 3D printing, while providing sustainable facilities with solar power and Wi-Fi.
How They Differentiate
Utilizes a proprietary modular honeycomb design that allows for rapid campus expansion by interlocking multiple 'huts'; operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit specifically targeting the global education infrastructure gap in developing nations rather than commercial residential markets; reduces construction time by up to 50% compared to traditional methods.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Communities in developing countries needing educational infrastructure
Industry Verticals
Education; Humanitarian
Competitors
14Trees (Holcim/BII joint venture), ICON (specifically the New Story partnership), WASP (World's Advanced Saving Project)
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Completed the world's first 3D printed school in Madagascar in April 2022; raised over $350,000 for the initial pilot project; total revenue/donations exceeded $1.3M since inception; planning expansion to 10+ additional school sites.
Major Milestones
Founded 2015; TED talk 2021; First 3D printed school opened 2022 in Madagascar; Honeycomb Campus as Africa's first 3D printed school campus; TIME 2024 feature
Notable Customers
Ministry of Education of Madagascar (primary beneficiary and government partner)