Naresh Kumar Thanigaivel

Magic3D is an early-stage deep-tech venture developing next-generation 3D printing platforms for soft robotics, fashion, Prosthetics and Wearable systems. Our focus is on customizable, hybrid multi-material fabrication—integrating silicone, thermoplastics, fibers, and functional materials into programmable Robotic/Consumer Product structures. As a co-founder, I collaborated with a multidisciplinary team and co-led the R&D direction, bridging bioinspired design, digital fabrication, and robotic prototyping to translate research into scalable product opportunities. Key Highlights: > Secured SGD 250K GAP Funding to evaluate commercialization feasibility and market validation > Developed a prototype multi-material printer for hybrid soft robotic structure, enabling tendon-bone-skin integration in a single workflow. > Co-developed pitch materials, technical roadmap, and proof-of-concept prototypes for strategic showcases > Built early traction through academic-industry showcases and soft robotic community outreach > Explored applications in assistive wearable, customized grippers, and on-demand robotic components

> In this role, I focused on new business development, technology scouting, and early-stage validation of novel concepts, contributing to a robust innovation pipeline with disruptive ideas and emerging technologies. > I led the adaptation of additive manufacturing techniques—including FDM, SLA, and Drop-on-Demand—for rapid prototyping and advanced product development, accelerating iteration cycles and functional testing. > Additionally, I directed the design and execution of a killer product demo, strategically crafted to elevate product marketing, support sales enablement, and deliver a compelling “WOW” moment for customers and stakeholders.

At Philips, I contributed to the company’s mission of improving the lives of 3 billion people a year by 2030 through purposeful innovation. In my role, I was responsible for New Business Development and Product Innovation within the Garment Care domain, driving the creation of meaningful, consumer-focused solutions. I applied a blend of Design Thinking and Six Sigma methodologies to guide projects from early-stage idea exploration through to advanced development, ensuring both creativity and technical robustness. As part of a highly innovative Advanced Development Team, I focused on: > Creating new functions and redefining product experiences > Enhancing product features and performance to address evolving consumer needs > Translating insights into prototypes and validation strategies that bridge concept and commercialization My contributions helped lay the foundation for next-generation garment care products, combining technical innovation with deep consumer insight.

Contributed as a Researcher in the field of Bio-design and Soft Robotics in SUTD, Singapore. Gained vast experiences on Rapid prototyping, Additive & Digital manufacturing techniques. Effectively contributed to Soft robotic research in functional material, Manta Robots and Soft material printing techniques. Projects Engaged/Contributed: > Multi-material robotic development of dragon fly fish > Hybrid & Rapid Prototyping of Soft materials for Bio-Robotics application > Integrated Weaving of fibers in Soft Elastomeric Polymers for mechanical and functional programming > Embedded 3D Printing of functional and structural inks

At last in the Final semester of my Master's degree, I got a delightful opportunity to handle a research project with Post-doc Research fellows. I contributed to a project on "Robotic Welding of Complex Joints" funded by A*STAR with a goal towards Smart Manufacturing.

Experienced as a Mechanical intern (Under QA team) in Zimplistic Pvt. Ltd. was a different scoop of knowledge I had dealt with. It improved my multi-disciplinary capability of handling various responsibility at a short span of time. Having positioned under the delightful Quality Manager, I was able to gain extended knowledge and leadership skills. I worked with various departments which includes Quality life testing, Accelerated life testing, Manufacturing quality, design, service and customer support team. This improved my engineering & managerial skills by applying my ideas and knowledge in cross-functions.

Working with RAIF was a great platform to utilize my skills and interest in building electro-mechanical devices with ease. I had an great exposure to tinker with micro controllers (Arduino based) and develop algorithms using C++ language through various project goals set to me. I gave life to multiple robots with unique features, behaviors and functionalities. I explored my teaching skills by conducting stand alone workshops to school kids on Basic electronics and Robotics. Over all, RAIF provided a unique space to develop Technology and contribute to education at a same time.

Gifted for a chance to work with a budding Startup and enthusiastic engineers from various domains of engineering and science. TeamDNA Labs was been a great space to explode my ideas and make them to a reality. Fine tuning and energetic knowledge transfer from TeamDNA engineers improved me to excel in my studies and gain confidence in my projects. I explored and gained my design and product development skills to achieve the team's mission to my out most capability. It was my first step to the life of a Startup and solving real world problems.

Achievements and other activities: > Conducted Hands-On Embedded System Workshop for Undergrad Students in 2023 > "Research lead" of a Startup team who acquired the National Research Foundation (NRF) Central Gap fund for around 250K SGD in 2023 to develop deep technologies in the Additive manufacturing domain in Singapore.

Computational and Advanced design course taught by DesignMorphine and accredited by UACEG

Specilaization: Manufacturing Technology and Automation

Graduated in Mechanical Engineering. Participated in 'Robo-wars' competition and won second prize. Won the 'Best student Award' for the three consecutive academic years 2010,2012 and 2013 respectively. Participated in Autonomous robotics competition conducted by 'i3 indya robotics' association. Co-ordinated for the aero-modelling events conducted by SAE INDIA.