La Paz Teen Innovates Medical Manufacturing with 3D-Printed Recycled PET Prosthetics

14-year-old Iker Meza will represent Mexico at INFOMATRIX Argentina 2026 after winning national gold with his PROTEPET project.

Local Talent Heading to the International Stage

The development of new materials applied to manufacturing is transforming modern science. Iker Meza León, a student from La Paz, Baja California Sur, has taken this to the next level.

His scientific project, called PROTEPET, earned him the gold medal at the INFOMATRIX Nacional 2026 competition.

Thanks to this significant achievement, the young inventor will represent Mexico at the international stage of the contest, to be held from October 8 to 10 in La Pampa, Argentina.

Industrial Innovation and Sustainable Manufacturing

PROTEPET is a technological initiative focused on giving PET plastic a second life by transforming it into industrial filament.

Using this extruded material, the student leverages 3D printing systems to manufacture assistance devices for individuals with amputations or severe injuries.

This manufacturing innovation reduces polluting waste while exploring alternatives to make these medical devices much more accessible:

• Prosthetics: Manufactured devices designed to replace a missing or amputated limb.

• Orthotics: 3D-printed supports used to assist, correct, or immobilize an injured limb without replacing it.

Material Evolution and Call for Support

The research began in 2023 with traditional melting processes, but Iker redesigned the technique after noticing it generated emissions. After testing wheat filament, he successfully perfected recycled PET extrusion.

Currently, the teen's family is running a fundraising campaign to cover the registration, transportation, and accommodation expenses required for the international trip.

Regardless of the outcome in Argentina, Iker assured that he will continue to perfect PROTEPET's industrial processes to keep driving solutions with a strong social impact.