Connie Huffa: Fabdesigns

Additive Manufacturing isn’t just 3D printing. Knitting isn’t just for apparel. And being a venture-backed high-profile unicorn isn’t the only way to make global impact. This episode features Connie Huffa of Fabdesigns, a company you’ve probably never heard of, but you’ve seen their products. It’s is run by a couple with 70 years combined experience and deep intellectual property in the field of knitting technology. Yes, knitting! Connie explains how knitted textiles could be the future for medical devices, aerospace components, technical apparel for first responders, sports equipment, and more. You know those bright yellow Nike Flyknit shoes at the Olympics? Those were developed by Fabdesigns. It’s hard to believe they almost went bankrupt as a result of that partnership--you’ll hear about that, too. But they have since built their way back up and are now back in business in a new fabrication facility in the hills of Malibu. They consult to global companies looking to innovate their products, and in the process teach them to manufacture with zero waste using their high-tech technology. We go to visit to see their facility and how they do it. At the beginning of the episode, we start with a short chat about innovation trends with Chris Denson, host of the Innovation Crush podcast and the Director of OmnicomMediaGroup’s Ignition factory. For more information visit http://makeitinla.org/conniehuffa