US-based architectural software producer Autodesk announced a $100m initiative yesterday to invest in 3D printing companies in the upcoming years.
The Spark Investment Fund will target entrepreneurs, startups and researchers developing innovative 3D printing technology spanning the hardware, software, materials, marketplace and maker subsectors.
The scheme follows on from Autodesk’s launch of Spark, a free software platform to transmit digital information to 3D printers. Funding recipients will also be able to access marketing and other developer services through Spark’s partner programme.
Samir Hanna, general manager for consumer products and 3D printing for Autodesk, said: “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.”
Founded in 1982, Autodesk went public in 1990 and has recently funded companies including online artists platform Deviant Art and Boston-based start-up accelerator Bolt.io.