Autodesk Invests $100M in Spark Investment Fund

It’s easy to talk about additive manufacturing (AM) and hope for a better future, but it is another thing completely to actually back that talk with cash. Autodesk is looking toward a brighter future in which it has a significant share, thanks to its open source Spark project. Both a platform for development and an actual AM system, Autodesk intends for Spark to move the industry forward.

The company recently announced a $100 million in funding for the Spark Investment Fund. This new fund will assist, “… entrepreneurs, startups and researchers who push the boundaries of 3D printing technology and accelerate the new industrial revolution,” according to the company.

The Spark desktop 3D printer will use stereolithography and will act as a platform for displaying the possibilities of AM. Courtesy of Autodesk.

“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,” said Samir Hanna, vice president and general manager, Consumer Products and 3D Printing, at Autodesk. “The Spark Investment Fund will empower innovators to improve 3D printing, and to help us unlock the tremendous promise of this technology.”

The new fund will allow companies and individuals involved with AM research and development a chance to apply to participate in the Spark Investment Fund’s portfolio. In addition to potential financial benefits, those selected to join the fund will become part of the Spark partners program. Partners gain unique access to marketing and developer services to help spur innovation.

Combined with the Spark platform and AM system, this new program brings Autodesk to the forefront of open source development, particularly when combined with Autodesk’s reputation for producing quality products. Could this move signal the start of a new paradigm, in which open source competes with more standard industry practices? Certainly other companies will be watching to see how the Spark enterprise fares.

Below you’ll find a video about the Spark platform.

Source: Autodesk