UTRECHT, The Netherlands, Feb 2, 2021 – Forward AM, the BASF 3D Printing Solutions brand, launches the Forward AM Innovation Award, the very first global contest for startups developing new applications with 3D printing. The objective is to accelerate the adoption of Additive Manufacturing by supporting the work of trailblazing entrepreneurs and originators of innovative, sustainable and scalable ideas that leverage the unique possibilities of 3D printing.
Ultimaker, together with an outstanding team of industry leaders, such as AMPOWER, AMT, Autodesk, HP, Photocentric and Scultpeo, is sponsoring the award. Each of the sponsors will contribute their specific expertise to the contest. Alongside Forward AM, they will select startups, provide expert coaching sessions, and grant the winners access to their catalogue of products and services for a total of Euro 175,000.
The Forward AM Innovation Award has been designed to accelerate 3D printing startups that are innovative, scalable, and focused on sustainability.
“It is Ultimaker’s vision to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable manufacturing. We provide an easy to use, flexible and open 3D printing platform that enables sustainable additive manufacturing and sponsoring this award matches well with our company’s core values.” Nuno Campos, CMO at Ultimaker and executive jury member for the finale.
Finalists can look forward to EUR 20,000 in funding, along with premium industry connections, coaching and marketing exposure. At the Finals, the winning startup will then receive the Grand Prize of EUR 80,000 in goods and services to choose from the sponsor’s catalogue. The winner will have the opportunity to meet the venture capitalists of AM Ventures and BASF Venture Capital GmbH in a dedicated personal session.
The contest is flanked by two more awards. The Deloitte Sustainability Award offers EUR 10,000 in cash to the startups with the best sustainability strategy, while the Public’s Choice Award will reward the startup that wins the audience’s vote at the Finals in June with an extra EUR 15,000 in goods and services.
Apply Now
Applications are open until March 28, 2021. Entrepreneurs from all over the world are invited to apply via https://move.forward-am.com/award. Across social media channels, the contest can be followed under the hashtag #ForwardAMaward.
About Ultimaker
Since 2011, Ultimaker has built an open and easy-to-use solution of 3D printers, software, and materials that enable professional designers and engineers to transform the way they manufacture. Over 400 employees work together to accelerate the world’s transition to digital manufacturing. For more information, visit https://www.ultimaker.com.
