Autodesk creates $100M fund to invest in 3D printing firms

Designing software maker Autodesk will invest up to USD 100 million in 3D printing companies over the next several years.

The Spark Investment Fund, which will be operated within Autodesk, will invest in entrepreneurs, startups and researchers who are working in the area of 3D printing technology.

Earlier this year, Autodesk had announced Spark, an open and free software platform for 3D printing that will connect to any hardware.

Autodesk has invited 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 can participate in the Spark Investment Fund's investment portfolio.

In addition to the financial investment, Spark Investment Fund recipients will also become part of the Spark partner programme and have access to marketing and other developer services available to Spark partners.

"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," Autodesk Vice President and General Manager (Consumer Products and 3D Printing) Samir Hanna said.

The Spark Investment Fund will empower innovators to improve 3D printing, and to help us unlock the tremendous promise of this technology, he added.