You may remember Sanjay Mortimer as the co-founder of E3D and as a figure who played a pivotal role in standardizing the hotend ecosystem. By developing a system of interchangeable parts, Mortimer helped move FDM printing toward a more modular and reliable future. Driven by E3D’s goal to “change the way humanity manufactures goods,” he became a well-known presence in the RepRap movement before his death in November 2021 at the age of 32. In his memory, the Sanjay Mortimer Foundation (SMF) was established to carry forward his passion for engineering while addressing a cause close to his own experience: neurodiversity.
Throughout his career, Mortimer was open about his ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and the challenges it presented. He was determined that the condition should not define his potential, a philosophy that now forms the core of the SMF’s mission: “to help those with neurodivergent minds recognize their strengths and talents through engineering and making.” One way the foundation achieves this is by hosting the Sanjay Mortimer RepRap Festival (SMRRF).
The SMRRF is a place for makers to come together.
Connecting the Community: SMRRF 2026
The SMRRF will take place this year on March 7-8 in Manchester, England. The event features live demos, talks, and family-friendly workshops on engaging topics such as droid building and 3D printing LEGO-style blocks. Attendees can also participate in activities like “Death Racers,” where 3D-printed robots battle in a ring, or join an auction and raffle for a chance to win significant hardware—including the historic Original Voron 2 Prototype Serial 0, and a limited edition Bambu Lab P1S—among many others.
Past editions have attracted over 1,000 engineers, creators, and educators, and the event also draws in content creators from around the globe, like the YouTubers Joel Telling (3D Printing Nerd), Sam Prentice, and Mars Gizmo. Ultimately, SMRRF bridges the gap between the foundation’s charitable work and the broader RepRap industry, providing a space where neurodivergent makers and industry leaders can connect to ensure Mortimer’s collaborative spirit continues to evolve. You can learn more about the festival and register HERE.
The festival celebrates neurodiversity in STEM.
Empowering SMF Stars
Beyond the RepRap Festival, the SMF works year-round to provide grants, resources, and mentorship to SMF Stars: neurodivergent people aged 11-25 with a passion for STEM. SMF seeks to help these individuals build the confidence and technical skills necessary to thrive in industrial fields. This support is individualized, targeting the specific barriers a maker might face. One example of this mission in action is the story of Henry W. On the SMF website, Henry shared: “Autism impacts my life in multiple ways, but 3D printing helps lift my mood, find a good source of creativity, and gives me a purpose in life.”
Henry works for ExpHand Prosthetics, where he assists in printing and assembling prosthetic devices for children and young people. While his passion for the work was clear, technical hurdles with unreliable equipment hindered progress. To address this, the SMF provided Henry with a suite of tools, including a Bambu Lab Carbon Combo, a Creality K1 Speedy, a City and Guilds Computer-Aided Design Course, a monitor, and filament. The products were chosen to enhance his daily focus and structure, help with revitalising his business, and help him gain qualifications to enhance his career prospects.
After receiving the support, Henry shared how he felt its impact: “3D printing helps me a lot day to day, as with all the difficulties I face, 3D printing gives me an outlet to be able to express myself through CAD design and print what I design. I’m so grateful for the SMF for helping me.” To learn more about the SMF, you can visit its website.
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*All Photo Credits: The Sanjay Mortimer Foundation