This year, for the ninth time, the international "Formnext Start-up Challenge" will honour young and innovative companies from the world of additive manufacturing. The prizes are awarded for new, creative and viable business ideas - and the topic of sustainability also plays an important role. Companies founded no more than 5 years ago can apply now until 14 July 2023.
The Formnext Start-up Challenge offers young companies the chance to present themselves prominently on the leading international AM platform and to meet new customers as well as partners and investors. Especially the latter is of even greater importance for start-ups under the impression of the current development on the financial markets. At the same time, start-ups will experience a unique trade fair experience at Formnext from 07 - 10.11.2023 in the midst of an industry of technological innovators, where relevant multipliers such as other developers, designers and experts will inspire each other. With more than 600 exhibitors already registered, Formnext 2023 is heading for new bests, making it more than ever an ideal platform for Challenge winners to become part of the rapidly growing AM community.
The technological innovations of the Formnext Start-up Challenge have been advancing AM technology and the 3D printing industry for years. "At the same time, we want to support young companies in the long term with the Formnext Start-up Challenge. We offer the winners a highly attractive package that enables them to present themselves side by side with the elite of the global AM world and enrich the international manufacturing industry with fresh impulses," explains Sascha F. Wenzler, Vice President Formnext at trade fair organiser Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH.
Sustainable impact on corporate success
The Formnext Start-up Challenge has impressively proven its high relevance for the international investment and start-up scene as well as its sustainable impact on business success with numerous previous winners - such as 3Yourmind, Dyemansion, Kumovis, Sinterit, Trinckle 3D or Xioneer. Dr. Alexander Kostenko, CEO of Photosynthetic B.V., winner of the Start-up Challenge 2022 underlines, "...that we had more useful contacts at Formnext in 4 days than in the 18 months before. This has accelerated our business once again in the right direction."
In addition to the 3D-printed award, sponsored by Voxeljet, the five winners will receive an all-inclusive exhibition and marketing package from Formnext. This includes a fully equipped exhibition stand at the Start-up Area of Formnext 2023, as well as inclusion in Formnext's global PR activities. In addition, the winners can take part in a pitch event at Formnext on the Industry Stage incl. live broadcast by Formnext.TV, where they have the chance to convince investors, companies and customers of their products or services during a short presentation.
Additional award for sustainability
The Formnext Start-up Challenge is also dedicated to the increasingly important topic of sustainability. For example, the AM Ventures Impact Award, worth 5,000 euros, honours young companies that are making decisive progress in this field. "Additive manufacturing has become an important technology with enormous potential to solve global sustainability challenges," explains Arno Held, Managing Partner at AM Ventures. "We are on the path to a sustainable and resource-efficient civilisation, and start-ups have a special opportunity to drive this change in traditional manufacturing."
Jury member Prof. Dr. Peter Mayr, Head of the Chair of Materials Engineering of Additive Manufacturing at TU München, underlines the far-reaching benefits of the Start-up Challenge for the entire AM world: "The Formnext Start-up Challenge is a unique opportunity for AM start-ups to further build their network, receive feedback from potential customers and industry experts and evaluate their business models. It is this interaction between start-ups, academia and industry that enables the AM applications of tomorrow to be developed and AM maturity to be raised across domains."
The distinguished jury also consists of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ing. Kristian Arntz, Professor for Manufacturing Technologies and Machine Tools at Aachen University of Applied Sciences and Chief Executive Officer of Fraunhofer ICNAP, Stefanie Brickwede, Head of Additive Manufacturing@Deutsche Bahn and Managing Director of the "Mobility goes Additive" network, Arno Held, Managing Partner at AM Ventures, Alexander Oster, Director Additive Manufacturing at Autodesk and Michael Petch, Editor in Chief at 3D Printing Industry.
The Formnext Start-up Challenge is open to companies that were founded within the last five years, have a marketable product and an annual turnover of less than 10 million euros. Start-ups that have already won a package for the Start-up Area or have a majority shareholder with more than 10 million euros in annual turnover are excluded.
The winners will be announced in September 2023.
www.formnext.de