Charles Hull, Ph.D., is the inventor of stereolithography (SLA), the foundational technology behind modern 3D printing, and serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at 3D Systems Corporation. Holding a doctorate in engineering from the University of Utah, Hull began his career at DuPont, specializing in ultraviolet-curable inks and coatings. In 1984, while experimenting with photopolymers and UV lasers, he developed SLA, a process that uses a laser to selectively cure layers of liquid resin into precise three-dimensional objects, earning him U.S. Patent No. 4,575,330—the first 3D printing patent. In 1986, Hull founded 3D Systems, the world's first additive manufacturing company, and led it to become publicly traded in 1987. His visionary leadership has resulted in over 60 patents spanning materials science, optics, and manufacturing processes. Hull's achievements include induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2015, the National Medal of Technology and Innovation in 2014, and numerous industry accolades, cementing his legacy as the "father of 3D printing" and transforming prototyping, tooling, and end-use part production across aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and consumer goods sectors. As CTO, Hull oversees 3D Systems' global research and development, directing innovation in advanced printers, biomaterials, software ecosystems, and scalable production solutions. His strategic guidance has propelled the company to pioneer multi-material printing, high-speed SLA systems, and integrated digital manufacturing workflows, positioning 3D Systems as a leader in the $20 billion additive manufacturing industry.