Mickael Audureau, Clément Cazautes, Robin Genty, and Tom Lopez are alumni of the Bordeaux-Talence campus, having first completed the Bachelor of Technology program, then the Specialized Engineering program in Production/Maintenance. During their studies, they developed a multi-process machine and launched their own business once they had obtained their degrees.
After completing their bachelor's degrees, the four students will join work-study engineering programs at Safran, Airbus, Lisi Aerospace, and Poietis, a Bordeaux-based startup specializing in the design of synthetic skin. This industry experience led them to a realization: companies need to develop prototypes in the early stages of a project, and to do so they either outsource or use an in-house fablab, both of which are very costly. So they came up with the idea of creating a large multi-process machine (50x100x50 cm) combining 3-axis machining, laser cutting and engraving, and 3D printing. It is intended for startups and SMEs, enabling them to manufacture their prototypes independently. Currently, only "small" machines exist, which are geared towards non-functional prototyping. In addition, with the advent of 3D printing, companies are increasingly favoring prototyping in design offices, which generates significant costs and lead times and imposes greater rigidity.
Their solution won first prize in the CAD Challenge with their Versatec project: the design and manufacture of a machine for businesses, integrating additive manufacturing, machining, and laser engraving for prototype design. Following this success, the four students joined the PEPITE Bordeaux student entrepreneur program, then the Unitec incubator, to develop their start-up: Namma, which develops and markets this multi-process machine.
