A collaboration between Autodesk (NASDAQ:ADSK) and Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), is offering 3D printing entrepreneurs in the UAE their slice of the Autodesk $100m Spark fund. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) that has recently been signed by the companies outlines a process within which DFF present local 3D printing projects for Autodesk’s appraisal.
As the “building blocks” of 3D software, Autodesk’s Spark software was created to give software developers a boost when it came to realizing 3D printing futures, and is due to be repackaged as Autodesk’s latest Forge software, under a strapline of Code. Meet Make. Following the launch of Spark in 2014, Autodesk further underlined its commitment to the advancement of 3D printing industries by releasing its Spark Fund of $100m offered exclusively to those seeking to Innovate, Manage, and Impact the additive manufacturing industry.
Never out of 3D printing news when it comes to innovation, DFF is calling for entrepreneurs to come forward and contribute their ideas to establishing Dubai as the world’s center of technological innovation over the next fourteen years, with 3D printing at its heart.
3D printing technology will revolutionise the economic sectors that most affect people’s lives. This includes construction, medical equipment and supplies and even consumer products. 3D printing technology has taken centre stage in the global market, drawing attention from all major tech companies and R&D centres around the world, as they work to expedite its introduction into traditional markets, in addition to establishing exciting new markets.
Commented Mohammed Al Gergawi, vice chairman and managing director of Dubai Future Foundation.
This collaboration with Autodesk is part of Dubai’s 3D Printing Strategy, set up by Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This strategy is to ensure that Dubai contributes to the global worth of the 3D printing market, valued at an estimated $300bn by 2030, and to see that 25% of the city’s buildings will be built using 3D printing technologies by the same point in time.
Both parties are committed to providing entrepreneurs with more than just a monetary investment, Autodesk’s marketing facilities, and DFFs 3D printing experience, will be at their disposal.
If you’re looking for a way to get started in designing for 3D printing, or want to learn more about the processes used in creating a 3D printed object, it might be worth sampling Autodesk’s ReMake and Fusion 360 software as part of their current Design by Capture competition, which can be found here.
Featured image: A digital render of the Dubai Museum of the Future (exterior) Image copyright: The Dubai Government
