Based in Montréal, UCrea is a company specializing in 3D printing that, through unique technology developed in-house, makes this innovation accessible to both businesses and individuals. Here is a look at the journey of its founder, Ethienne Racine, and the development of his company, supported by microcredit.
Ethienne Racine | UCrea
3D Printing in Montréal: The Journey of Ethienne Racine, Founder of UCrea
When Technology Serves Creation
It all started at age 18, on the eve of his entry into a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Ethienne built his first 3D printer from an open-source design he found online. This initiative quickly led him to sell replicas to people in his circle, and later to offer design training for 3D printing. This first leap into entrepreneurship says a lot about his nature, someone who doesn’t wait to have the resources to get started but creates them instead.
Entrepreneurship came into his life naturally, long before he gave it an official name. It was in his final year of university that he founded UCrea, in 2018, with the ambition of making 3D printing accessible to both businesses and individuals.
“I love people, I love helping people create. I love making things,” he explains.
3D Printing in Montréal, One Piece at a Time
What sets UCrea apart from its competitors lies at the very heart of its machines. By designing and building his own 3D printers, Ethienne frees himself from any dependence on external suppliers. No supply delays, no waiting on parts; he controls the entire process. “I don’t have to wait for components because I’m the one who designed them and I’m the one who makes the parts,” he adds.
This technological autonomy translates directly into lower production costs and competitive pricing for his clients, an advantage that benefits all of his customers, whether an engineering firm in need of additional manufacturing capacity or an artist looking to give shape to a bold artwork. Among his most notable projects is a large structure created for Anahita Norouzi, an Iranian-Québécois artist, which was exhibited at the National Gallery of Canada.
Financing a Transition with the Support of Microcredit
As with many entrepreneurs, UCrea’s growth involved relocating. When Ethienne had to leave his shared space and move into a space entirely his own, with walls to build, a ventilation system to install, and a client entrance to set up, costs quickly added up. That’s when he turned to Microcredit Montréal for financial support.
Thanks to this funding, Ethienne was able to set up his space in a short time, create a reception area separate from his production workshop, and even customize the corridor leading to his unit with signage entirely 3D printed. A first impression that reflects exactly what UCrea does: transforming raw materials into something precise and intentional. “It allowed me to transition quickly and have the space set up within a month and a half.”
The support from Microcredit Montréal didn’t stop at financing. A connection with a mentor entrepreneur was also arranged, opening the door to valuable exchanges about the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Toward Limitless Production
Today, UCrea’s clientele is diversifying. Ethienne sees this as an opportunity to develop the business-to-business side, while continuing to serve the individuals who rely on his expertise. He is also working to automate his printing farm so that it runs at all times without manual intervention. Since he designed his own machines, this automation is entirely within his reach. The person who built his first printer at 18 has never stopped innovating. And clearly, he has no plans to stop anytime soon!
Microcredit Montréal supports entrepreneurs who are excluded from traditional financing through loans and personalized guidance. As in the case of UCrea, this support makes it possible to bring projects to life, structure growth, and strengthen local economic impact.
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