Cultural Diversity Roster

A Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Manero was a graduate student at the University of Central Florida when he heard a radio interview with the man who invented the first 3-D printed artificial hand and learned of the exorbitant cost of prosthetic limbs, which placed them out of reach for most families. Inspired to change the system and disrupt an industry to benefit children in need, he and his colleagues founded Limbitless Solutions.

Harnessing the power of cross-team collaboration and using the power of STEAM to change children’s lives, Dr. Manero is a visionary social entrepreneur, educator, humanitarian, engineer, and superhero to hundreds of “bionic kids” who have benefited from his mission to make 3-D printed bionic prosthetic limbs accessible to all. Teaming engineers with artists, marketers with game designers and more, Limbitless Solutions has become a case study in innovative and interdisciplinary design. Using empathy as a guide, Dr. Manero brings a heart-touching story of the difference that one person with vision can make in the world, while championing the art—and highly human impact—of science, technology, engineering and math.

Only a year later, his company developed and donated its first prosthetic arm. Dr. Manero’s work quickly captured the attention of the media, Microsoft’s The Collective Project, and even actor Robert Downey Jr. In a viral video that has been seen by billions, Downey presented a Limbitless-designed Ironman-themed prosthetic to a seven-year-old boy with a congenital deformity, who dreamed of having a bionic arm like the Marvel superhero. A Spiderman-inspired arm followed for an eight-year-old boy, as well as a flower arm for a young girl who aspires to be a marine biologist. Dr. Manero also worked with UCF’s School of Visual Arts students and faculty to develop training video games, which help kids hone the skills necessary to use their bionic prosthetics.

Leveraging students’ creativity and a small, but innovative staff, Limbitless is funded primarily through partnerships and private donations. The team is also working with the Mayo Clinic to test a wheelchair for those diagnosed with ALS, quadriplegia, and spinal cord injuries that can be driven and controlled by clenching one’s jaw and facial muscles. Other projects include developing video game technology for use in stroke rehabilitation. Through this life-changing work, Dr. Manero aims to reshape the perception of science by infusing art, humanity and aesthetics into an area typically viewed as “cold” or dehumanizing.

Dr. Manero’s inspiring talks speak from the nexus of innovation, teamwork, art, science, engineering and heart-touching storytelling and he tailors his presentations to each audience. His vision and passion champion the idea that science and technology — and the men and women who pursue those professions — are superheroes that can serve as a force for good in the world. As he says, “It’s very fulfilling to work together and to bring diverse perspectives together to make tomorrow brighter. We can accomplish so much more together.”

In keeping with Limbitless Solutions’ humanitarian and philanthropic mission, speaking fees are directed to supporting this life-changing work.