Changing How we Think About 3D Printed Prosthetics & Orthotics

Every year, 38 million people worldwide require prosthetics or orthotics. Most of them live in developing countries and, only 10-15% get access to them. Many of those in need are children.

When A Child Can’t Walk, It Impacts Every Part Of Their Life

Children who can’t walk are less
likely to:

  • Attend school
  • Engage in play with friends
  • Participate fully in family and community life


They are also more likely to:

  • Face exclusion and discrimination
  • Grow up with low confidence and self-esteem
  • Face higher health risks and lower access to medical care
  • Get trapped in a lifelong cycle of poverty

Without access to prosthetics and orthotics, children with lower limb disabilities face challenges reaching their full potential.

We’re Helping To Find A Solution. Using 3D Printing.

We’ve developed a technology toolchain called 3D PrintAbility. It uses 3D printers, along with digital scanners and custom software, to help clinicians in resource-poor countries make prosthetics and orthotics for children — faster and more cost-effectively than traditional methods.


3D PrintAbility means more children can get access to devices they need to help them walk.

3D PrintAbility at CORSU Hospital in Uganda (5:56)

Our Technology Is Unique

  • It is driven by 3D printing technology

    It produces devices using 3D scanners, custom software, and 3D printers.

  • It helps clinicians make high-quality mobility devices, faster

    It produces custom-fitting devices for children in less time and with less cost than traditional methods.

  • It's designed exclusively for frontline orthopaedic clinicians

    Developed in partnership with clinicians, it's inspired by the traditional process. It's made to leverage clinicians' skills.

Explore Our Technology

By helping more children walk, we’re changing lives.

About Us

Nia Technologies Inc. is a Canadian non-profit social enterprise that was founded by cbm Canada in 2015. Nia researches, develops, and deploys innovative technologies in resource-poor countries.


At Nia, we know that technology alone isn’t enough to create lasting social value. That’s why we also:


  • Encourage innovation
  • Seek out appropriate solutions
  • Take a practitioner-centric approach
  • Build partnerships
  • Value local talent
  • Promote R&D
  • Strive for sustainability
Learn More About Us

If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together. — Proverb

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