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Anjan Contractor, P.E.
CEO/Co-Founder at BeeHex, Inc.
Professional Background
Anjan Contractor is a visionary leader in the field of additive manufacturing, currently serving as the CEO and Co-founder of BeeHex, Inc., a pioneering company that specializes in the commercialization of 3D printers. BeeHex’s innovative technology is grounded in NASA's groundbreaking research on 3D food printing initially aimed at meeting the dietary needs of astronauts on deep space missions. Leveraging a research grant from NASA, Anjan and his team successfully demonstrated the capability of 3D printed pizza, an achievement that not only highlights the potential of this technology but also set the stage for the development of a state-of-the-art 3D printer that can print a variety of edible materials.
Anjan’s multifaceted expertise in the realm of additive manufacturing encompasses both technical and business aspects, positioning him as a well-rounded expert in the industry. His fascination with new technologies in this space drives his openness to advising, mentoring, and collaborating with other innovators looking to make significant advancements in 3D printing and additive manufacturing. With a proven track record of success in various engineering roles, he combines his technical know-how with business acumen to lead BeeHex forward in the evolving landscape of food technology.
Education and Achievements
Anjan Contractor’s academic journey is impressive and directly correlates with his professional achievements. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a focus on Finance and Entrepreneurship from the University of Warwick’s prestigious Warwick Business School, which equips him with an in-depth understanding of business strategy and innovative financial solutions.
Prior to this, Anjan earned his Master of Science (MS) in Materials Science and Engineering from The Ohio State University, specializing in the properties and applications of different materials—knowledge that is essential in the development of advanced printing technologies. He also completed his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering at The Ohio State University, forming a robust foundation in engineering principles.
Throughout his career, Anjan has held a variety of roles in notable companies, showcasing his versatility and depth of knowledge in the engineering and technology sectors. Before founding BeeHex, he was the Senior Engineer at Systems & Materials Research Corporation. He also contributed significantly as a Product Development Engineer at Lynntech, Inc. and as an Engineer Scientist at TRI Austin, highlighting his hands-on experience in research and product development.
Achievements
Anjan’s contributions to the field of 3D printing and additive manufacturing extend far beyond his role at BeeHex. His work has been instrumental in reshaping our understanding of how technology can intersect with food science and nutrition, especially in contexts that require innovative solutions for food production.
Notably, the concept of 3D printed food has taken center stage in discussions around the future of dining, sustainability, and culinary creativity—an area where Anjan’s insights are particularly sought after. His experience at the helm of BeeHex positions him as a thought leader in 3D food printing and a prominent advocate for the integration of technology in cooking and food preparation.
His earlier roles, such as Process Engineer at Samsung Austin Semiconductor and Research Assistant at the Laboratory of Applied Superconductivity and Magnetism, have contributed to his rich expertise in both engineering processes and material applications, providing him with a well-rounded skill set that informs his current ventures in additive manufacturing.
Additionally, Anjan has served as an IAESTE Trainee at Vogelsang Elektromotoren GmbH, in Bochum, Germany, where he expanded his international experience and broadened his perspective on global engineering practices. This diverse background has undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping Anjan into a well-respected professional within the 3D printing community.
With a career that spans several sectors and a keen interest in new technological advances, Anjan Contractor is more than just a 3D printing pioneer; he is a mentor, an advisor, and an innovator dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in food technology and additive manufacturing.
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