Promoting Indigenous 3D Technology Makers of India
The 3D GEM – National Grand Challenge is a flagship national initiative under the 6th Edition of 3D GEM 2026, aimed at empowering and showcasing Indigenous 3D Technology Manufacturers of India.
The challenge brings together:
- Indian 3D Printer manufacturers (Polymer, Metal, Resin, Bio)
- Material manufacturers (Powders, Filaments, Resins, Bio-inks)
- Software developers (Modelling, Simulation, AR/VR/XR, AI, Digital Twin)
- 3D Scanner makers
- Additive Manufacturing hardware innovators
- AI coders and digital asset creators
- Academic and research innovators
The mission is to make India a global leader in next-generation 3D Technology innovation.
Purpose of the National Grand Challenge
To create a national platform that:
- Promotes Made-in-India 3D Technology manufacturers and innovators
- Supports the growth of India’s Additive Manufacturing ecosystem
- Enables collaborations between Industry, Academia, R&D institutions, and Startups
- Accelerates indigenous development of hardware, materials, software, and digital solutions
- Showcases India’s capabilities in Engineering, Medical, Defence, Aerospace, Manufacturing, and Digital Technologies
Categories of Participation (Indigenous Makers & Innovators)
1. Polymer 3D Printers
- FDM / FFF
- SLA
- SLS
- LCD
- DLP
- High-temperature engineering material systems
2. Metal 3D Printers
- Laser Powder Bed Fusion
- Binder Jetting
- Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM)
- Directed Energy Deposition (DED – powder or wire)
- Electron Beam systems
3. Resin & Bio Printing Technologies
- Resin-based SLA, LCD, DLP machines
- 3D Bio-printers
- Bio-ink manufacturers
- Medical-grade resin and polymer producers
4. Indigenous Material Manufacturers
- Metal powders (Ti, Al, SS, Inconel, Copper, etc.)
- Polymer powders (PA12, TPU, composites)
- Filaments & engineering-grade polymers
- Photopolymer resins
- Bio-inks for tissue engineering
5. Software & Digital Engineering Innovators
- 3D Design software
- 3D Modelling software
- Simulation & analysis tools
- Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) software
- AI-driven generative design
- Digital twin simulators
- Manufacturing workflow & automation software
6. XR & AI Technology Developers
- Augmented Reality
- Virtual Reality
- Mixed Reality
- Extended Reality
- AI-based modelling / printing optimisation
- Digital asset creators for engineering & medical visualisation
7. 3D Scanners & Data Capture Technology
- Handheld scanners
- Industrial metrology scanners
- Photogrammetry systems
- AI-enabled scanning applications
8. AM Ecosystem Innovators
- Post-processing machines
- CNC hybrid AM systems
- Calibration and metrology tools
- AM workflow automation
- Education & digital content creators
Challenge Objectives
Participants must demonstrate innovations in:
- Indigenous machine development
- Material science & formulation
- Software R&D and digital engineering
- Advanced manufacturing capabilities
- Export-ready AM solutions
- Low-cost and high-performance systems
- Applications in Engineering, Medical, Aerospace, Defence, Railways, Energy & Automotive sectors
The competition highlights self-reliance, supporting the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in advanced technologies.
Submission Requirements
Each participating organisation or startup must submit:
- Technology Description Document
- Prototype / Working Model Showcasing
- Technical Specifications & Innovation Summary
- Application Use Cases and Performance Reports
- Live Demonstrations during 3D GEM 2026 at IIT Bombay
For software participants:
- Demo videos, screenshots, workflows
- AI model summaries / algorithms
- Simulation case studies
Evaluation & Recognition
Solutions are evaluated on:
- Innovation & Technology Depth
- Indigenous Value Addition
- Industrial & National Impact
- Performance & Technical Maturity
- Affordability & Scalability
- Export readiness & global competitiveness
Awards include:
- National Grand Champion – Indigenous Maker of India (2026)
- Category Champions (Polymer, Metal, Software, XR, Materials, Bio, etc.)
- Certificates of Excellence
- Showcase at 3D GEM Exhibition Floor
- Opportunity for collaborations with industry & government
Why This Challenge Matters
- Builds a strong platform for Indian AM manufacturers
- Encourages R&D, innovation, and technology leadership
- Helps India reduce reliance on imported AM systems
- Promotes global competitiveness of Indian 3D companies
- Connects indigenous makers to users in Engineering, Manufacturing, Defence, Aerospace, Healthcare, and Education
How to register?
- Only Indian Company will be able to register.
- Fill the below google registration form with the details expected.
GOOLE REGISTRATION FORM LINK – https://forms.gle/LADzeKyPMAsLnywy7