At the ICER project, we believe that technology is the new language we use to shape the world around us. However, we often encounter the prejudice that the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is strictly a male domain. Our recent 3D Jewelry Modeling and Printing workshop, held on March 18, 2026, at SmartLab STU in Bratislava, definitively debunked this myth.

From the “Digital Middle Ages” to Active Creation

Our goal with the students from the Grösslingová Gymnasium was not just to teach them how to use software. Our ambition is to fight the so-called “Digital Middle Ages”—a state where technology is only passively consumed. Instead, we invited the girls into the world of creative production, where a digital design is transformed into a physical, tangible piece of jewelry in just a few hours.

The Workshop by the Numbers: Confidence on the Rise

The survey conducted before and after the workshop provided fascinating data. It revealed that the biggest barrier for girls is not a lack of talent, but low self-confidence in working with technical tools, which averaged only 2.69 out of 5 at the start.

Thanks to an inclusive approach and the merging of technology with design, we achieved significant changes:

  • Sense of belonging in STEM grew by a record 0.69 points.
  • Self-confidence in technical skills rose by 0.54 points.
  • The perception of STEM as a creative field increased to a level of 4.54 out of 5.

These figures clearly prove that when girls are provided with the right tools and a supportive environment, their natural hesitation toward technology transforms into enthusiasm and a sense that “they belong”.

“Girls Do It Better”

The practical part of the workshop turned the participants into designers. Using the Tinkercad tool, they designed their own rings, earrings, and pendants. The atmosphere in the classroom confirmed that inclusion in IT is not just about quotas, but about a fresh perspective. As one participant aptly noted: “Baby to vedia lepšie” (Girls do it better), referring to the precision and aesthetic sense they brought to their designs.

The three best designs were printed immediately on-site, while the other participants will receive their 3D creations later, successfully bridging digital gamification with a real-world reward.

The Future is Inclusive and Creative

This workshop was part of the broader Inclusive and Creative Education with Robotics and AI initiative, co-funded by the Interreg Slovakia – Austria program with support from the European Regional Development Fund.

The survey results draw a clear conclusion: The workshop significantly boosts participants’ self-confidence and confirms that technology is a means for expressing one’s own creativity. Our goal at ICER is to continue this trend and prepare the younger generation for a world where the boundary between technology and art ceases to exist.

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Want to know more about our future workshops? Follow us at icerobotics.online!