National Grand Challenge

Promoting Indigenous 3D Technology Makers of India

The 3D GEM – National Grand Challenge is a flagship national initiative under the 7th 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:

1. Technology Description Document
2. Prototype / Working Model Showcasing
3. Technical Specifications & Innovation Summary
4. Application Use Cases and Performance Reports
5. Live Demonstrations during 3D GEM 2026 at IIT Guwahati

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.