Forward AM Names Innovation Award Finalists

Forward AM, the BASF 3D Printing Solutions brand, launched the ‘Forward AM Innovation Award’ in January 2021, a global contest for startups
developing new applications with 3D printing. The application phase closed in March, with 145 applications from 36 countries. 

In the semi-finals in April, the top 16 selected startups pitched in front of a jury of industry reps: Forward AM, AMPOWER, AMT, Autodesk, HP, Photocentric, Sculpteo and Ultimaker, along with AM Ventures, BASF Venture Capital GmbH, Deloitte and Women in 3D Printing. Sponsors and supporters of the contest are working to boost adoption of additive manufacturing by supporting entrepreneurs leveraging 3D printing.

“On purpose, BASF 3D Printing Solutions is designed as startup by BASF New Business where we live by a strong start up culture. Startups take a blue-sky approach to new applications and market opportunities, without any inflexible legacy structures that may constrain the development and adoption of new techniques and technologies, says François Minec, managing director BASF 3D Printing Solutions.

“We already know that startups are harnessing the advantages of additive manufacturing to disrupt a broad spectrum of industries and are
significantly accelerating the adoption of 3D printing,” adds Minec. 

The four Forward AM Innovation Award Finalists are as follows:

Cosm Medical

The Canadian startup, Cosm Medical, founded in 2017 focuses on pelvic floor issues such as incontinence and prolapse, a women's health issue. Their 3D printed silicone-based pessaries show high success rate, thanks to a combination of personalized design process using ultrasound, artificial intelligence and additive manufacturing.

HILOS 

The U.S. startup, HILOS, founded in 2019 aims to reinvent the footwear industry with additive manufacturing. Their approach combines a blend of 3D printing and hand craftsmanship to drive additive footwear, produced locally and sustainably.

SYOS (Shape Your Own Sound) 

The French startup, SYOS, founded in 2016 creates 3D printed custom saxophone mouthpieces that enable musicians to shape their own
sound. Musicians are already adopting their solution.

WYVE

The French startup, WYVE, founded in 2019 creates 3D printed surfboards from recycled plastics. With a honeycomb design, they are easy to repair and lightweight, bringing sustainability and advanced functionality to the industrial process.

Details

Each finalist startup will receive EUR 20,000 to be redeemed in materials, equipment, software or services of their choice from the sponsors’ catalog. They will also have access to one-on-one coaching sessions with sponsors’ experts in AM
and entrepreneurship.

On June 30, the Finals will take place in an online event. The Forward AM Innovation Award has been designed to accelerate 3D printing startups that are innovative, scalable and sustainable. At the Finals, the winning startup will receive the Grand Prize of EUR 80,000 in goods and services to choose from the sponsors’ catalog.

The contest is flanked by two further awards: The Deloitte Sustainability Award offers EUR 10,000 in cash to the startup with the best sustainability strategy, while the Public’s Choice Award will reward the startup that wins the audience’s vote during the Finals on June 30 with an extra EUR 15,000 in goods and services.

The winner will also have the opportunity to meet the venture capital experts of AM Ventures and BASF Venture Capital GmbH in a dedicated personal session.

Free ticket registration is now open via move.forward-am.com/award to attend the finals on June 30, 5-8 p.m. CEST. The four finalists will pitch their project live in front of the jury and the attendees, who will be able to vote for their favorite project.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.