Formnext Start-up Challenge 2021 calls for submissions
June 1, 2021
Formnext organiser, Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH, is inviting submissions for its seventh Start-up Challenge award from companies that are no more than five years old.
Since its inception, the Formnext Start-up Challenge has offered Additive Manufacturing startups one of the most attractive platforms for showcasing their companies to the AM world and attracting the attention of customers, partners, and potential investors.
“After many months of extremely limited contact opportunities due to the pandemic, it is all the more important for young innovative companies and startups to present themselves and connect with customers or partners,” commented Sascha F Wenzler, vice president of Formnext at Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH. “We want to support this over the long term with the Formnext Start-up Challenge and offer the winners a highly attractive package that allows them to make their mark in the international world of Additive Manufacturing.”
In addition to the additively manufactured award, the five winners will each receive a Formnext exhibition and marketing package, which includes a fully equipped exhibition booth in the Formnext 2021 Start-up Area and inclusion in all relevant and worldwide Formnext marketing and communication activities. The winners can also participate in a pitch event as part of Formnext, receive an individual company profile from a media sponsor as well as corporate coaching from a member of the judging panel.
The international panel of representatives from all corners of the industry comprises Dr Kristian Arntz (CEO Fraunhofer Center for Networked Adaptive Production ICNAP), Stefanie Brickwede (project manager at 3d Printing@DB and Managing Director of the Mobility goes Additive network), Arno Held (AM Ventures Managing Partner), Alexander Oster (Director of Additive Manufacturing at Autodesk), Michael Petch (Editor in Chief at 3Dprintingindustry.com), and new panel member, Peter Mayr, Professor of Materials Engineering of Additive Manufacturing at the Technical University of Munich.
Following its debut last year, the AM Ventures Impact Award will also be presented to selected applicants of the Formnext Start-up Challenge, in recognition of approaches to sustainability. Environmental considerations (such as green energy and resource conservation) and social aspects (for example, education and equality) play an important role in this.
Arno Held, Managing Partner at AM Ventures, stated, “Additive Manufacturing offers great potential to address key global economic and environmental challenges.”
The deadline for applications is July 2, 2021. Winners are expected to be announced in September 2021.
