Autodesk launches $100 M fund to encourage 3D printing technology, world’s first 3D printing investment program

3D printing technology is fast becoming a reality. Many startups have plunged into this vertical with low cost options to democratize this technology for wide scale applications.

3D printer is a new wave of innovation or advancement in additive manufacturing. 3D printers have made prominent market in developed countries and with the advancements in material research, low cost product development strategies, 3D scanners, and growing awareness & extent of penetration of 3D printers across the world, the market looks promising in the near future for the manufacturers.

Many global multinationals are also slowly moving towards adopting this technology and understanding its long lasting impact. The new global player to add to this list is Autodesk. It is one of the oldest tech companies with tremendous business prospects in 3D printing technology.

With its new open-source 3D printer, Spark, about to be launched, Autodesk has now announced Spark Investment Fund with the aim to facilitate software and hardware startups working in this vertical. This fund, close to $100 million, will be used to invest to accelerate the new industrial revolution centered on 3D printing. This fund initiative from Autodesk is probably the first of its kind for the entire 3D printing industry.

Spark is material agnostic, and has the muscle to interact with any hardware. This move summons the entire 3D printing community to collaborate, build and improve the platform, its associated Ember 3D printer and materials.

Companies and individuals developing groundbreaking hardware, software, materials, marketplaces and maker spaces are encouraged to apply to participate in the Spark Investment Fund’s investment portfolio. What the program offers more than the financial investments is that the fund’s recipients will become part of the Spark partner program and will have access to marketing and other developer services available to Spark partners.

This is a strategic investment program from Autodesk to attract early stage startups as early adopters of their 3D printers. It will also spur innovation toward a more mature 3D printing experience.

Announcing this fund, Samir Hanna, VP-GM, Consumer Products and 3D Printing, Autodesk shared,

The days of taking a closed, top-down approach to innovating for additive manufacturing are behind us. 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.

It’s good to see global companies stepping up such programs to help startups, and also increase the adoption of such innovative technologies across the globe.

Could Autodesk do the same with 3D printing as Google did with Android? Only time will tell.