Craitor ’s Post

Meet Eric Shnell, the dynamic CEO, and Meher Akhil Birlangi, the visionary CTO of Craitor - a rugged, portable 3D printer that can withstand harsh conditions. Their journey began in the world of 3D printing while at UCSD, starting as a hobbyist project. As they delved deeper into this market, they realized hobbyist-grade 3D printers weren't able to meet the needs of the Department of Defense and other industries in less-than-desirable environments. With their technical expertise, they set out to bridge this technological gap. Akhil focuses on the electrical and software stack, covering everything from PCB design to software development, while Eric is the driving force behind their mechanical engineering efforts. They've enlisted the expertise of COO Dan Valdez, a retired Gunnery Sergeant for the Marine Corps and a prominent figure in 3D printing for the Marines. With his insights and guidance, they aim to make a significant impact in the DOD government sales arena. Craitor is proud to be a Techstars San Diego powered by San Diego State University company. Akhil describes the cohort as "the most driven, focused, and high-energy group" he has ever met. We're eager to see where their innovative journey takes them!