A decade of innovation - Experience the ‘Who's Who’ of additive technologies in Erfurt

The exhibition presents the “Who's Who” of international pioneers - and offers a review at a decade of ground-breaking innovations and the finalists' most forward-looking developments.

A decade full of goosebump moments

Simone and Christoph Völcker, the initiators of the 3DPC, look back on 10 years of the competition, which was characterised by unique projects. “One scientific highlight was the first 3D-printed heart with stem cells from Israel,” recalls Simone Völcker. “We were also very impressed by the Gravity Jetsuit, the flight-backpack from the UK, for example.” These projects show the wide range of applications and performance that 3D printing can offer. "The response was once again overwhelming - worldwide. We are very happy that the 3DPC community is back for this milestone edition. Some of them are celebrating their 10th anniversary with us!" adds Christoph Völcker.

Pioneer of the Decade

This year, the title ‘Pioneer of the Decade’ will be awarded, a special honour that will be awarded with the coveted 3DPC Trophy at the anniversary edition. The jury, consisting of over 85 experts, will select the winner from the international 33 finalists, who come from all over the world, including Europe, Africa and Asia. All those finalists have pushed the boundaries of technology and provided significant impulses for the future.

Insights on ground-breaking projects

The exhibition focuses on the pioneers of 3D printing, whose personal journeys and innovative impulses have decisively shaped the development of this technology over the last ten years. These pioneers have paved the way for new applications and possibilities with their impressive ideas and projects. It was a very intensive and not an easy task for the jury to decide on a selection for the final with the “Who's Who”. 

The 3D Pioneers Challenge attracts world-class participants, including Oscar winners and prize winners from the CES StartUp Cup conference. Multiple entrants such as MX3D from the Netherlands, who have shared their journey with 3DPC for many years, will once again showcase their innovative approaches and developments.

The wide range of finalists includes Arthur Mamou-Mani from the UK with his architectural projects featuring the circular Fab Pub factory. Christophe Guberan from Switzerland impresses with his milestone ‘Rapid Liquid Printing’, a revolutionary technology that enables additive manufacturing without gravity. Printed moon rock will also be on show at the exhibition with WASP's project for future moon stations. Danit Peleg from Portugal, whose latest collection was created using blockchain and AI, represents the democratising pioneering spirit in the fashion tech world.

Invitation to rapid.tech 3D

Visitors to rapid.tech 3D 2025 can look forward to an inspiring exhibition showcasing the latest trends and technologies in additive manufacturing. The event offers a unique opportunity to exchange ideas with leading innovators and experts in the industry and to experience the future of manufacturing at first hand.

Contact 3D Pioneers Challenge:

Simone Völcker
Phone: +49 (0) 711 658 4499

info@3dpc.io

www.3dpc.io
Follow us: #3DPioneersChallenge
LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube

FACTS

About rapid.tech 3D

Under the motto "Innovative & Profitable - The Future of Additive Manufacturing", rapid.tech 3D will focus on practical applications, innovative technologies and forward-looking AM trends for three days from May 13 to 15, 2025. If you have always wanted to know how you can get 3D printing up and running profitably in your company, then rapid.tech 3D is the right place to go. Here you will receive know-how from doers for doers and benefit directly from the intensive professional exchange with our experts. Our triad of specialist congress, exhibition and networking opportunities offers the best conditions for increasing your knowledge.

About 3D Pioneers Challenge

The international competition for Additive Manufacturing processes and Advanced Technologies is the most prestigious award of its kind. The annual announcement and presentation of the finalists is considered to be the innovation monitor of the industry. Unique in its structure, the competition has been addressing specialists who think outside the box since 2015 - pushing boundaries!

3DPC Platform

The Challenge has become a platform with a global network and is an interface for creative future-makers, pioneers of advanced technologies and innovators from research and industry.

3DPC & Friends

Under the umbrella of 3DPC & Friends, 3DPC brings together the creative minds and high-tech pioneers of the 3DPC platform in an interdisciplinary way, resulting in new, ground-breaking projects in which everyone can contribute and live out their expertise - design rethought! The 3DPC shows today what tomorrow will bring - pushing boundaries.