As part of its continued effort to garner the innovation of the additive manufacturing America Makes (AM) is announcing two challenges, the Fit to Face Mask Design Challenge in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs; and the COVID-19 Maker Challenge, a joint event by Challenge America and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Innovation Ecosystem.

"Both of these opportunities seek to tap into the amazing innovation we've seen to date from the entire AM community during this crisis," said America Makes Executive Director John Wilczynski. "This industry is uniquely positioned to take on these challenges as we have the ability to rapidly design and test products that will solve very real problems for frontline workers."

The Fit to Face-Mask Design Challenge runs from April 20 through 26.

The Face Mask Design Challenge is one of two rapid response challenges being announced this week to rally the AM community to find innovative solutions in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

The challenge aims to find a solution to the most critical PPE needs at this time. How masks fit and conform to the shape of a user's face has been a factor that has influenced designs. This challenge is calling on the community to collectively find a solution to this important design factor for 3D printed face masks.

America Makes is looking to rapidly innovate face mask designs with quality solutions that ensure a proper fit and better seal around the face.

Five critical geometries and dimensions used in the manufacturing of N95 masks will be made available to challenge participants for them to develop up to three masks.

Submissions will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 26th with five designs going to the VA for fast track review and testing, and the top designs being announced on May 11, 2020.

Interested participants can find more information at www.americamakes.us/fit2face and below.

All questions related to the Fit to Face Mask Design Challenge should be directed to challenge@AmericaMakes.us.

This is an open-source challenge. All innovators, 3D printers, and designers in the U.S. and abroad are encouraged to participate. All submissions must be open-source designs.

The Challenge America and VHA Innovation Ecosystem COVID-19 Makers Challenge will run from April 25 through May 3.


The Makers Challenge is calling on teams to both submit potential problems stemming from COVID-19 that face first responders and develop innovative solutions to address them.

The challenge will launch on April 25 with teams conducting weeklong virtual evaluations of challenges and culminate with a two-day virtual make-a-thon event May 2 through 3.

During the event, teams will fabricate prototypes of their solutions that are suitable for rapid manufacturing.

While this is a prime opportunity for the AM community to showcase their innovation, the challenge is also open to subject matter experts in engineering, industrial design, manufacturing, health care and other related industries.

America Makes will narrow all submissions to five finalists on Friday, May 1, 2020, before the close of business and submit to the VA. These five finalists will be fast-tracked through the VA, FDA, and NIH testing and review process. Pending the testing results, America Makes will announce the top design(s) on Monday, May 11, 2020.

A Challenge data package, including Instructions for Use (IFUs), design guidance information including NIOSH head form data dimensions, submission requirements, and evaluation criteria, is available on the America Makes website at americamakes.us/fit2face.

To find more information, register and or submit a challenge, visit www.covid19makerchallenge.com