The Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) has announced Max Lobovsky, Co-founder and CEO of 3D printer manufacturer Formlabs, as the recipient of its Innovators Award, which is given to individuals who have contributed to developments in the additive manufacturing (AM) industry.
Lobovsky will be presented with the Innovators Award at the 2026 AMUG Conference. On March 18, 2026, he will participate in a conversational interview during the Innovators Showcase to discuss his experiences and perspectives.
Lobovsky’s Background and Achievements
Lobovsky’s early involvement in 3D printing came through Cornell University’s Fab@Home project, an early open-source initiative. He earned a B.S. in Applied and Engineering Physics and an M.S. in Media Arts and Sciences at MIT, where he explored the concept of creating a low-cost desktop 3D printer.
Formlabs was founded in 2011 by Lobovsky and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) graduates David Cranor and Natan Linder, with the goal of developing a lower-cost professional 3D printing solution using stereolithography (SLA) technology. Since its founding, Formlabs has grown from a Kickstarter project to a global company with 10 locations, more than 700 employees, and over 130,000 3D printers sold.
Shannon VanDeren, AMUG president, stated, “The trio of grad students identified a problem and pursued a mission to correct it. Max was an obvious selection for the Innovators Award, and we were unanimous in our decision.”
Lobovsky has received several recognitions, including inclusion in Forbes’ 30 Under 30, Boston Globe’s Tech Power Players 50, and induction into TCT’s Hall of Fame. Formlabs has also received industry awards such as a gold medal in Inc.’s Best in Business awards, finalist status in Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas list, and placement on Time Magazine’s Best Inventions list.
Celebrating AM Innovators with AMUG
The Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) awards celebrate exceptional expertise, innovation, and service across the world of additive manufacturing and 3D printing. More than just honors, they highlight the individuals and projects that raise the bar for excellence while inspiring collaboration and knowledge-sharing throughout the community.
Last year, Joe Allison, Principal of 3D Ventures and CEO of Gentle Giant Studios, was named the recipient of the AMUG Innovators Award. AMUG President Shannon VanDeren praised Allison for his more than three decades of influence in the industry, noting that his ongoing contributions continue to shape its progress. Bruce LeMaster, AMUG’s Director at Large, described Allison as a longtime mentor and generous leader whose expertise and willingness to share knowledge have greatly benefited the AM community.
Continuing that spirit of recognition, the 37th annual AMUG Conference in Chicago honored six leaders with the Distinguished Innovator Operator (DINO) Award whose innovation, mentorship, and collaboration continue to advance additive manufacturing.
Among the 2025 honorees, Amy Alexander of the Mayo Clinic was recognized for mentoring early-career engineers, while Dan Braley of Boeing Global Services was honored for his long-standing commitment to advancing AM and supporting AMUG initiatives. Ryan Kircher of rms Company earned distinction for scaling AM operations and sharing his expertise through conferences and standards development.
Dallas Martin of Toyota was commended for his collaborative innovations and numerous patents that have propelled the industry forward. Patrick Gannon of Ricoh USA was celebrated for his dedication to mentoring across all career levels, and Brennon White of General Motors for his outreach and advocacy, promoting additive manufacturing through education and public engagement.
Want to help shape the future of AM? Join the Expert Committee for our 2025 3DPI Awards, launching later this summer.
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Featured image shows Max Lobovsky, Co-founder and CEO of Formlabs, is AMUG’s 2026 Innovators Award recipient. Photo via AMUG.
