{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"NC Tweener Talks","title":"From Duke Football to 3D-Printed Medical Devices: How PROTECT3D Scaled Mass Customization with Kevin Gehsmann","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/c7fff611\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2609,"description":"In this episode, we unpack how a college capstone project turned into a scalable system for custom-fit 3D-printed bracing, moving from “hours in CAD” to minutes with automated design templates. We get into the origin story, the technology moat, go-to-market evolution, fundraising, and the founder mindset required to stay in the game.Highlights coveredHow PROTECT3D started with a custom brace for a Duke teammateWhy “one-size-fits-none” is the real problem in bracingThe core workflow: iPhone scan → automated digital design → 3D printHow they reduced design time from 5+ hours to under 5 minutesMaterial/printing approaches and why they use multiple technologiesScaling from sports to insurance-reimbursable clinical productsExpansion into military / defense applications via non-dilutive fundingFounder lessons: failing fast, surviving COVID-era building, and gritKevin’s advice to younger founders: keep going, the grind is the gameCustom-fit should be the norm, and PROTECT3D is building the rails to make that possible at scale. If you’re a founder working at the intersection of software + real-world manufacturing, this one is packed with practical lessons and a lot of heart.\nTimestamps:\n00:04:29 — Kevin’s background: Greensboro → Duke mechanical engineering + football00:05:43 — The spark: 3D-printing a custom brace for an injured teammate00:06:37 — “One-size-fits-none”: why off-the-shelf bracing fails most bodies00:10:23 — Turning it into a real company through Duke I&E + early traction00:12:21 — Early funding: friends & family + NC IDEA Micro Grant path00:16:45 — The modern 3-step process: app scan → digital fabrication → 3D print00:17:11 — From traveling to scan athletes… to scanning with an iPhone app00:23:29 — Scaling breakthrough: design time drops from 5+ hours to <5 minutes00:24:19 — Growth: working with over half of NFL teams + other leagues00:25:21 — Beyond sports: clinics, insurance reimbursement, nationwide footprint00:32:44 — Fundraising + non-dilutive:...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/UEzoK7N1siD9YRaSVBWfZ8B3suSS2aonEIZ5NwBH1Gs/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS80NjBh/YWVhZTA4ZTUyY2Fl/MDdhNzQwZWFhNDI4/MDc3Zi5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}