Whether pupils, trainees, students or professionals: anyone with innovative ideas in the field of 3D printing is invited to apply for the 3DDC. The aim is to develop and realise a 3D printing product (or a 3D printing service) that could potentially lead to a start-up idea or save costs in an existing company. With the challenge, HNU is committed to knowledge transfer, promoting future technologies, supporting the start-up spirit in Germany and networking business, science and society. All information on participation can be found at: www.3d-druck-challenge.de
Minister of State Markus Blume, MdL, assumes patronage
This year, the Bavarian Minister of State for Science and the Arts, Markus Blume, MdL, is the patron of the 3DDC: "3D printing is high-tech in a small space. It revolutionises production methods and accelerates the path from idea to application. I would like to thank Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences for this impressive event and wish all participants every success!"
Participation requirements
We are looking for 3D printing enthusiasts who create a 3D printed product and show in a business analysis how money can be earned or saved with the product (or a corresponding service). Applicants of all ages can take part, either as individuals or in teams of up to three participants. A degree or university admission is not a prerequisite.
Procedure of the Challenge
Competitors can qualify for the final in two rounds. In the first round, they use a template provided by HNU to create a poster explaining their 3D-printed product. If the idea makes it to round two, the business benefits of the idea will be illustrated. The best ideas are then pitched to the jury and the audience. A new feature this year is that the finalists will receive exclusive pitch and business coaching from the Digitalisation Centre Ulm | Alb-Donau | Biberach | Neu-Ulm before the final.
Members of the jury and prizes
The jury consists of experts from business, education and science who are passionate about 3D printing themselves. Our 3DD Lion trophies as well as non-cash and cash prizes from the prize sponsors totalling over €10,000 await the winners.
Sponsor of the German 3D Printing Challenge
The prize sponsors and jury members include the companies 3D-Druck Akademie, 3D Industrie GmbH, Daimler Truck, Digitalisierungszentrum Ulm | Alb-Donau | Biberach | Neu-Ulm, Filamentworld,
Formnext, HENSOLDT, Prototec, Seifert Logistics Group, Siemens Mobility GmbH and Volksbank Ulm-Biberach eG.
What is decisive for participation?
"The decisive factor for successful participation - and ultimately for winning the challenge - is enthusiasm for your own idea and a clearly recognisable benefit from the customer's perspective. Whether it's a technically sophisticated or very simple idea, whether it also has social or ecological added value or not, whether it's backed by an individual or a team - if the enthusiasm spills over to the jury, then the chances of winning are really good," says Prof Dr Oliver Kunze, the initiator of the challenge. “In previous years, very different ideas have therefore made it onto the 3DDC podium, for example a bark beetle trap, an algae growing apparatus, an anatomical teaching model, 3D printing of chocolate, an entire motorbike sidecar, a 'growing' foot prosthesis for children, a customisable art object or even a 'beauty product'. We are already looking forward to the new ideas from 3DD enthusiasts - so don't ponder for long - just take part!”
