The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a EUR 15 million loan agreement with Ultimaker. The money will be used to further the research and development of the company, and also for the roll-out of new products.
Educational impact
The loan will also enable Ultimaker to launch the pioneer program for 50 schools throughout the European Union. The program is designed to connect educators through a dynamic online community, with free access to lesson plans, 3D printing tutorials and guides.
“We are very pleased with the financial support of the EIB”, says Ultimaker CEO Jos Burger. “It allows us to further strengthen our strong position in the global 3D printing market. As a European company we believe we have a special role in bringing 3D printing to young people all over Europe and we are glad to announce that, in close cooperation with the EIB, we are donating 50 of our Ultimaker 2+ printers – with one year of supplies – to schools all over Europe.”
R&D
The loan will also help fund the expansion of the research and development facility in Geldermalsen, The Netherlands. The loan will also enable the company to further expand its business in international markets. Ultimaker’s R&D project is supported by “InnovFin – EU Finance for Innovators” MidCap Growth Finance (MGF), with the financial backing of the European Union under Horizon 2020 Financial Instruments.
“Ultimaker is the kind of company that Europe needs to fill the innovation gap that we see with respect to the US and Asia”, says EIB Vice-President Pim van Ballekom. “The Bank is proud that it can be of added value for Ultimaker and praises its commitment to helping Europe push its technological edge.”
Carlos Moedas, European Commissioner responsible for Research, Science and Innovation, said: “With today’s agreement, the EU is once again supporting the growth of innovative midcaps. 3D-printing is an excellent example of the innovation that Europe needs. Our research and innovation funding programme Horizon 2020 is there to help bring more such innovative ideas to market and develop new services.”
“The question is not if, but when companies should consider adopting 3D printing”, says Karel Knoll, director at Deloitte. “We are expecting a shake-out in the 3D printing market over the coming years. This new funding allows Ultimaker to continue its growth, while making additional investments in R&D and the development of new products”.
About the EIB
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals. In the Netherlands alone, nearly EUR 2,1 billion was lent to sound projects over the course of 2015.
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