After a busy few weeks launching Project Spark and its partner 3D printer Ember, Autodesk has announced a $100 million investment in 3D printing companies over the next several years.
The Spark Investment Fund will be the first of its kind for the 3D printing industry and will invest in entrepreneurs, startups and researchers who push the boundaries of 3D printing technology and accelerate the new industrial revolution.
Autodesk seeks to extend and empower the Spark ecosystem and spur innovation toward a more mature 3D printing experience. In doing so the company aims to bring the entire 3D printing community together by being open to any hardware and materials options and encouraging collaboration.
Autodesk Ember 3D printer.
Companies and individuals developing ground-breaking hardware, software, materials, marketplaces and maker spaces are encouraged to apply to participate in the Spark Investment Fund’s investment portfolio.
Recipients of the Spark Investment Fund will also become part of the Spark partner program giving them access to marketing and other developer services.
“The days of taking a closed, top-down approach to innovating for additive manufacturing are behind us,” said Samir Hanna, vice president and general manager, Consumer Products and 3D Printing, at Autodesk. “Numerous industries recognize the value of tapping into entrepreneurs or startups with better ideas and approaches, and 3D printing is no exception. The Spark Investment Fund will empower innovators to improve 3D printing, and to help us unlock the tremendous promise of this technology.”
Companies and individuals can apply to become a recipient here spark.autodesk.com/fund.
