At SolidWorks World 2008, Rwanda-based Gasabo 3D Design Ltd. today unveiled an engineering e-commerce site to help SolidWorks users around the world convert 2D drawings to 3D models quickly, accurately, and affordably. Now SolidWorks users can log on to www.gasabo3D.com to leverage their existing 2D design data without having to do time-consuming file conversions in-house.

Gasabo 3D Design Ltd. is an engineering services company based in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. Located in the Kigali ICT Park, the company was formed in 2007 as a spin-off from the Rwandan Information Technology Authority (RITA). Gasabo 3D’s roots stem from a collaboration between Rwanda President Paul Kagame and SolidWorks executives to help build the information and communications technology (ICT) sector within Rwanda’s economy. SolidWorks Corporation continues to provide software, training, and business expertise to Gasabo 3D as well as support and advice for 3D CAD curriculum development at ETO Gitarama and Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (K.I.S.T). Top-ranked engineering students from ETO Gitarama and KIST formed the nucleus of Gasabo 3D’s staff.

Gasabo 3D CEO John Rugamba has aggressive plans for the company. “We are working closely with the administrations of ETO Gitarama and K.I.S.T. to ensure that their graduates meet Gasabo 3D’s exacting standards,” he said. “Simply being expert in the use of 3D CAD is not enough. We are constantly re-engineering our services and CAD processes to deliver the highest possible quality to our customers.”

Aimed at customers who design, build, and maintain large mechanical systems, Gasabo 3D is currently working with companies in the U.S. and India to supply advanced manufacturing and services training and is actively seeking corporate partners for a new technical internship program.

Users can log on to the Web site and submit 2D drawings for rapid quotes and conversion to 3D CAD models. Any company who has large numbers of 2D drawings required to support existing machinery can benefit from the Gasabo 2D-to-3D conversion service. To highlight the launch of its new Web site, Gasabo 3D is offering five free drawing-to-model conversions to SolidWorks World attendees.

“Working with Gasabo 3D is like adding a team of highly trained SolidWorks technicians to your staff for a fraction of the cost of hiring full-time employees,” said Scott Harris, vice president of new product concepts at SolidWorks Corporation. “Manufacturers depend on all of their design data – both 2D and 3D – to enhance product lines, fix products in the field and build roadmaps. Gasabo 3D Ltd. ensures these companies can quickly respond to customer needs using SolidWorks 3D CAD software to design better products.”

About Gasabo 3D Design Ltd.

Gasabo 3D Design Ltd. is a registered Rwanda company focused on the conversion of 2D drawings to 3D solid models. It is continually increasing its knowledge base throughout the product design field. Gasabo 3D has the aim of being a SolidWorks center of excellence on the African continent. For more information, visit the Web site www.gasabo3d.com.

About the Rwandan Information Technology Authority (RITA)

RITA has been established by the Government of Rwanda in recognition of the importance of ICT for the economic and social development of Rwanda. RITA’s role is to manage the implementation of ICT programs throughout all sectors of the Rwandan economy in support of economic growth and poverty reduction.

About ETO Gitarama

ETO Gitarama is a secondary technical school located in the Southern province of Rwanda. The school has about 400 students, and it was established in November 2002.

About Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST)

KIST was officially inaugurated in 1998 as the first public technological institute of higher learning in Rwanda. KIST aims to contribute to Rwanda’s economic renewal through the creation of highly skilled manpower. It seeks to become a regional centre offering courses in science, technology and management; carrying out extensive research activities and knowledge dissemination; and providing technical assistance and services to all sections of the community.