#ideacity

Ideacity is know as ‘Canada’s Premier Meeting of the Minds.’ It is an eclectic gathering of artists, adventurers, authors, cosmologists, doctors, designers, entertainers, filmmakers, inventors, magicians, musicians, scientists and technologists all under one roof. 

As a youth delegate, I got a chance to hear different speakers, share their genius and expertise on a plethora of subject matters, including such ideas as: robotics, transportation, music, animals, and space to name a few. It was definitely a cool experience. It was very interesting and enlightening to listen to what each speaker had to say about new and innovative ideas and theories they were developing.

Challenges & Inspiration

During the three-day conference, there were certain aspects that really challenged my way of thinking. One speaker that comes to mind is Cody Wilson. Wilson is the developer and designer of the first 3D printable firearm. Within 24hours of his invention hitting mainstream media, the digital download of his 3D gun blueprints reached the thousands.

Wilson runs and operates Defense Distributed, a nonprofit corporation in the state of Texas, organized and operated exclusively for charitable and literary purposes. According to the company's website, Defense Distributed purpose is, “To defend the civil liberty of popular access to arms as guaranteed by the United States Constitution and affirmed by the United States Supreme Court, through facilitating global access to, and the collaborative production of, information and knowledge related to the 3D printing of arms; and to publish and distribute, at no cost to the public, such information and knowledge in promotion of the public interest.”

Since creating the 3D gun, Wilson and his company have been under severe scrutiny from the US State Department and the Department of Homeland Security. The US State Department fears a 3D printed firearm will only perpetuate gun crime and violence if it falls into the wrong hands. Terrorist and criminal organizations that utilize violence will now have an easier and more cost-effective approach when it comes to acquiring weapons.

After hearing Wilson speak at Ideacity, I became a bit cynical about his political ideology and how he was positioning his creation as a challenge against the state’s monopoly over the use of violence. I had difficultly supporting his radical anarchist theory. His political ideas were in stark contrast of my own liberalist ideology.

Although I did not agree with some of the concepts he brought forth to the discussion, I found his 3D firearm creation to be remarkable, ingenious and an amazing leap forward for 3D printing. Wilson is indeed a leader amongst his contemporaries and a pioneer in his respective field.

Final Thoughts

As a youth delegate, I found Ideacity to be an incredible worthwhile experience. I learned about so many cool and unique ideas that are happening right now at this very moment. I also got a chance to rub shoulders and interact with the best technical minds on the planet.  I can’t wait for next year’s Ideacity.