Blanca Garro

This podcast episode was recorded onsite at JEC World.Reinforce 3D's Origin: Blending Engineering with Business AcumenBlanca Garro's ascent to CEO of Reinforce 3D combines her engineering background with sharp business insights. Her story begins with a chemical engineering degree, which led her across Europe, where she discovered the additive manufacturing sector.Realizing the need for more business-oriented knowledge, she pursued an MBA, bridging her technical expertise with a deeper understanding of business development. This unique blend of skills and her passion for technology spurred her decision to join Reinforce 3D.She vividly expresses her excitement: "I really fell in love with the technology," emphasizing the allure of innovative potential.3D Printing Innovations: Unveiling the CFIP TechnologyNext, we delve into the heart of Reinforce 3D's innovation: continuous fiber injection process (CFIP) technology. Blanca eloquently demystifies this technology, highlighting its revolutionary impact on the composite sector.Traditional composites involved layering fibers, but CFIP introduces a method to inject continuous fibers, enhancing the material's strength and functionality. Blanca's explanation makes this complex technology accessible to all, revealing how it offers a stronger and more versatile approach to manufacturing composites.Eco-friendly Manufacturing: Sustainability in the World of Additive ManufacturingBlanca emphasizes sustainability as a crucial driving force in today's manufacturing industry. She passionately talks about the need to innovate responsibly, focusing on "how to do more with less."This approach is not merely a trend but a fundamental shift in how manufacturing processes are designed and executed. Her insight into Reinforce 3D's commitment to sustainability shows the industry's movement towards more environmentally conscious practices, where new technologies like CFIP play a pivotal role.Startup Leadership Insights: Navigating the Startup LandscapeMoreover, Blanca offers an honest perspective on the complexities of evaluating the market size and fundraising in the DeepTech ecosystem. She discusses the unique challenges faced by startups, especially in specialized sectors like composite materials.Understanding market potential and attracting investors requires a nuanced approach, as Blanca explains: "It's really difficult to size my market." This candid admission sheds light on the daunting yet critical aspects of growing a tech startup in a rapidly evolving industry.Tackling Gender Disparities in Tech and EngineeringLastly, Blanca addresses the issue of gender disparity in the tech and engineering sectors. As a female CEO in a male-dominated industry, she brings a unique viewpoint on the challenges and opportunities for women in these fields.The lack of female representation, especially in engineering roles, is a significant concern, as she points out the scarcity of women's CVs for engineering positions. Her perspective underlines the importance of striving for gender balance and the need for systemic changes to encourage more women to enter and thrive in these industries.Want more from Sesamers&Jec?2 more podcast episodes from JEC World with startup founders and other industry experts: Chris Skinner, Stephan SavareseJEC World 2024 RecapJEC Startup Booster: the premier startup competition at JEC World, where 20 finalists gather in the Startup Booster Village to showcase their innovations, network, and engage with potential investors over three dynamic days.Be sure to follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X to be the first to listen to the new episodes.