The Canadian public research university, University of Waterloo, has secured $10.9 million in grants from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Mitacs, along with additional support from industry partners in aerospace, automotive, and energy, to launch the Holistic Innovation in Additive Manufacturing (HI-AM 2.0) project.
The initiative is designed to train highly qualified professionals (HQPs) while advancing technologies that reduce the environmental footprint of advanced manufacturing (AM). Building on the success of the original HI-AM Network—which overcame barriers to industrial adoption of metal AM and positioned Canada to navigate disruptions from digital technologies and geopolitical shifts—HI-AM 2.0 aims to accelerate innovation and strengthen the nation’s competitive edge in the AM sector.
“The announcement of HI-AM 2.0 is a testament to the success of the original project and will continue to accelerate the industrial adoption of metal additive manufacturing in Canada,” says Charmaine Dean, vice-president, Research and International. “Importantly, the project will also train the next generation of HQPs who will ensure that the sector continues to grow and thrive, thus strengthening our economy. HI-AM 2.0 is just the latest example of how Waterloo successfully partners with industry and with other academic institutions to maximize resources and impact.”
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Waterloo’s HI-AM 2.0 Builds on Past Success
The original HI-AM Network, which ran from 2017 to 2024, brought together 19 AM experts from Canadian universities. It trained over 140 HQPs—well beyond its initial target of 78—many of whom have contributed their expertise to a wide range of industries. Among them are two PhD students who founded Retinex, a start-up advancing quality assurance for laser AM and welding applications.
“As the original network was nearing its conclusion, we received widespread support and encouragement from stakeholders to continue the initiative in some form, which underscored the success of the original program and highlighted the ongoing demand for large-scale collaborative research on disruptive technologies in Canada,” says Dr. Ehsan Toyserkani, engineering professor, Canada Research Chair in AM, and director of HI-AM 2.0.
In response to this demand, 17 collaborative projects have been approved under HI-AM 2.0, tackling challenges that limit the industrial adoption of metal AM. Research spans process optimization for advanced alloys, multi-scale and digital twin modelling, machine learning applications in quality assurance, and scaling production through multi-laser and large-envelope processes.
“The role played by our private sector, not-for-profit, and government partners in the success of this large-scale initiative cannot be overstated,” says Dr. Mihaela Vlasea, associate director of HI-AM 2.0 and associate professor in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering. “Collectively, our partners bring access to high-caliber Canadian talent, as well as diverse levels of experience with additive manufacturing. Through low-risk, high-impact research projects, we can guide businesses in adopting more sustainable technologies from a design, material, performance, and cost perspective.”
Global Trend in AM Education and Collaboration
HI-AM 2.0’s focus on training highly qualified professionals and advancing industrial adoption mirrors broader international efforts to strengthen the AM workforce. In August, Munich-based 3D printer manufacturer EOS announced a Space Act Agreement with NASA to offer the Metal Additive Manufacturing Master Class through the EOS Additive Minds Academy. The advanced, hands-on training program will be delivered in collaboration with AM experts Dr. Paul Gradl, Principal Engineer at NASA, and Dr. Omar Mireles, Additive Manufacturing R&D Engineer at Zia AM, both recognized for their work in spaceflight and high-performance AM applications.
Similarly, the European Association of Manufacturing Technologies (CECIMO) launched the Manifesto for a Competitive European Additive Manufacturing Sector, co-signed by ten national associations representing the AM ecosystem across Europe. The manifesto reflects a unified commitment to advancing Europe’s AM sector and sets out strategic recommendations to reinforce its position as a global leader. A key focus is the expansion of training and education programs aligned with evolving industry needs. Building on initiatives such as the Sector Skills Strategy in Additive Manufacturing (SAM), these efforts aim to cultivate a highly skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and adapting to emerging technologies.
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Featured image shows GM’s Ante Lausic delivers a keynote address at the conference. Photo via University of Waterloo.
