Formnext, the 3D printing industry’s leading European trade show, has announced registration is now open for this year’s Formnext Start-Up Challenge.
Innovative 3D printing companies that have been trading for less than five years are invited to submit their applications for the accolade, decided by a panel of industry professionals including 3D Printing Industry’s own Editor-in-Chief Michael Petch.
Firms with a particularly sustainable approach or contribution are also encouraged to apply for the AM Ventures Impact Award, which recognizes the positive environmental impact of 3D printing innovation.
The Formnext Start-Up Challenge 2022
The Start-Up Challenge seeks to provide a platform for emerging 3D printing businesses to raise their profile and find prospective clients and investors.
Previous winners of the competition include 3D printing software firm 3YOURMIND, automated post-processing provider DyeMansion, and SLS 3D printer manufacturer Sinterit. Following a fully digital event in 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Start-Up Challenge official awards ceremony returned to the trade show floor once again in 2021 to celebrate a new round of winners.
Last year’s winners included Danish start-up Atlant 3D Nanosystems, High Area Rapid Printing (HARP) 3D printing technology developer Azul 3D, desktop 3D printer start-up Nobula, 3D printed medical device developer Fited, and US-based start-up Print Parts. Meanwhile, medical device manufacturer Vispala Technologies won the 2021 AM Ventures Impact Award for its efforts to provide affordable and aesthetic prosthetics, orthotics, and assistive robots to those in need.
Those wishing to follow in the footsteps of the above companies and submit their applications for this year’s Formnext Start-Up Challenge are required to have a market-ready product or service, be founded after January 1st, 2017, and not be majority-owned by an established company.
The deadline for applications is 1st July, 2022, after which entrants will be assessed by a jury panel of industry experts. The five winners will receive a 3D printed award courtesy of binder jet 3D printer manufacturer voxeljet, in addition to a free booth at Formnext 2022 and inclusion within the event’s marketing and communication activities.
Winners will also be given the opportunity to live pitch to industry experts and investors during the show, access business coaching from a jury panel member, and receive a company profile from 3D Printing Industry.
AM Ventures Impact Award 2022
Companies that submit their applications for the Formnext Start-Up Challenge 2022 can also apply for the AM Ventures Impact Award.
The award was launched for the first time in 2020 by investment firm AM Ventures, and is given to the 3D printing firm that advances the 17 environmental goals set out by the United Nations (UN). The award also rewards companies for addressing the social aspects of sustainability, like education and equality.
The winner of the Impact Award must show that they have had a significant environmental impact within their chosen field regarding the technology they provide and its applications. Companies must also be able to demonstrate the actions they have taken on sustainability, including within their supply chain.
The deadline for applications for the Formnext Start-Up Challenge 2022 and AM Ventures Impact Award is 1st July 2022. The official awards ceremony will take place at Formnext 2022 between 15-18 November in Frankfurt.
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Featured image shows Formnext 2021. Photo via Michael Petch.
