Autodesk has announced a new program which aims to invest up to $100 million in 3D printing companies over the next several years. The Spark Investment Fund will invest in innovative entrepreneurs, startups and researchers in the 3D printing field who "push the boundaries of 3D printing technology and accelerate the new industrial revolution."
The investment fund has been developed alongside Autodesk's recently released Spark software, a free and open 3D printing platform which connects a wide range of 3D printing hardware and design software, and can work with any material. The company hopes to encourage the 3D printing community to build upon and improve this software.
More on the fund after the break
Companies and individuals working in 3D printing and developing groundbreaking hardware, software, materials, marketplaces and maker spaces are invited to apply for the investment program. In addition to financial backing, successful applicants will become members of the Spark partner program, giving them access to the support, marketing and development services of the software giant - a 'value-added partnership' which hopes to accelerate innovation in the field even more.
"The days of taking a closed, top-down approach to innovating for additive manufacturing are behind us," said Samir Hanna, Autodesk's vice president and general manager of Consumer Products and 3D Printing. "The Spark Investment Fund will empower innovators to improve 3D printing, and to help us unlock the tremendous promise of this technology."
To apply to the Spark Investment Fund, visit the Spark website here.
Story via Architect Magazine
