Event

Formnext launches 2018 3D printing start-up Challenge

Leading 3D printing events organizers Formnext and Germany’s MUST 3D Printing stakeholder network have launched the fourth annual Formnext Start-up Challenge.

This year, 3D Printing Industry is sponsoring the competition, with our editor in chief, Michael Petch, also a member of the jury.

Sascha F. Wenzler, Vice President for Formnext at Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH, comments, “Through the Start-up Challenge, we offer these young companies a stage along with outstanding opportunities for networking and further development.”

Inside floor 3.1 of formnext 2017. Photo by Beau Jackson of 3D Printing Industry 
Inside floor 3.1 of formnext 2017. Photo by Beau Jackson of 3D Printing Industry

Application criteria

Formnext Start-up Challenge application is open to any 3D printing company established on and after 1 January 2013 (max 5 years old). The company must be majority owned, with annual revenue of no more than €10 million.

Importantly, the company’s product must be ready to market – this can include anything in the regions of hardware, software, materials and post-processing, as long as it is related to 3D printing.

Previous winners of the Start-up Challenge include software company 3yourmind (that won in 2016) and, in 2015, recoating specialist Dye Mansion, Polish desktop SLS developer Sinterit and the UK’s Additive Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) for their post-processing technology.

Konrad Glowacki, co-founder of Sinterit, said of the competition:

“The Formnext Start-up Challenge helped us believe that we could really succeed.”

The Sinterit Lisa. Photo via Sinterit
The Sinterit LISA SLS 3D printer. Photo via Sinterit

Challenge prizes

Five winners will be selected by jury including, Stefanie Brickwede, Head of AM at Deutsche Bahn, Prof. Dr. Herbert Gillig from the Munich University of Applied Sciences, Arno Held from UnternehmerTUM, and our very own Michael Petch.

The prize package for each will include:

  • A free and fully-equipped 9 sqm-exhibition booth at the Start-up Area of Formnext 2018
  • Inclusion with all relevant Formnext marketing and communication materials
  • The opportunity to pitch the product live at the show
  • Addition to the MUST 3D Printing network alongside other startups such as Flex Wheel Extruder, 3YOURMIND, and Additive Works, and founding partners EOS, UnternehmerTUM and SCE.
  • Return journey within Germany to Formnext, sponsored by Deutsche Bahn
  • And business coaching sponsored by AM Ventures, a sister company of EOS.

In addition to a position on the jury, we will also be providing the winners with a company profile on the leading 3D printing news platform with the broadest subscription in the industry, 3D Printing Industry.

Olli with Deutsche Bahn branding. Photo via Local Motor's blog.
The 3D printed Olli bus with Deutsche Bahn branding. Photo via Local Motor’s blog.

Apply now

The deadline for applications is 13 July 2018.

Interested start-ups can apply online here.

We wish everyone the best of luck and look forward to seeing you all at Formnext 2018  13 – 16 of November 2018.

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Don’t forget to vote now in the 2018 3D Printing Industry Awards – the form closes next week. 

Featured image shows 3yourmind’s winning trophy for the 2016 Formnext Start-Up Challenge. Photo by Michael Petch.