The Formnext Awards provide a structured view of current developments in the AM industry and highlight projects, business models, and personal achievements that are already making an impact today. They reflect the full spectrum of additive innovation, from technological advances and sustainable approaches to entrepreneurial and individual commitment.
“The Formnext Awards demonstrate where Additive Manufacturing is already delivering tangible value today – technologically, economically, and socially. They make visible which solutions are proven, which business models are viable, and which players are setting benchmarks. In doing so, the Awards offer valuable guidance within a highly dynamic market,” explains Sascha F. Wenzler, Vice President Formnext, Mesago Messe Frankfurt.
Submissions will be evaluated by an international expert jury, which has been partially reappointed for 2026. By combining proven expertise with new perspectives, the evaluation process incorporates technological, economic, design, and strategic criteria.
Six Categories – Different Perspectives on Impact
In 2026, the Formnext Awards will be presented in the following categories:
AMbassador Award
For individuals or organizations that have made a lasting impact on the AM community through exceptional education, training, outreach, or personal commitment.
Jury members: Dr. Irene Skibinski, Expert Additive Manufacturing, VDMA Additive Manufacturing; Haden Quinlan, Senior Program Manager, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Lisa D. Block, Women in 3D Printing; Karsten Heuser, Vice President Additive Manufacturing, Siemens
Design Award
For outstanding AM designs and products that successfully combine functionality, design, and manufacturing logic.
Jury members: Duann Scott, Founder, BITS to ATOMS and the CDFAM Computational Design Symposium Series; Prof. Dr.-Ing. Oliver Tessmann, Professor Digital Design Unit, TU Darmstadt; Dr. Patrick Pradel, Senior Lecturer Digital Design & Manufacturing, University of Loughborough and DfAM UK
(R)Evolution Award
For products, technologies, or services that create clear added value for users through a high degree of innovation and fundamentally advance existing approaches.
Jury members: Dr. Maximilian Binder, Innovationsmanagement, BMW Group; Prof. Jennifer Johns, Professor of Management and Director of Research, University of Bristol Business School; Mr. Massimiliano Cecconi, Senior Engineering & Technology Director, Baker Hughes
Rookie Award
For young individuals or teams with promising business ideas who have not yet founded a company or have only recently done so.
Jury members: Arno Held, Managing Partner, AM Ventures Management GmbH; Alex Kingsbury, Product Line Manager - Additive Manufacturing, nLight; Prof. Dr. Peter Mayr, Head of Department Materials Engineering of AM, TU München; Dr.-Ing. Sascha Schwarz, CTO, Managing Director Additive Manufacturing, TUM Venture Labs; Heather Swift Hunt, Head of Design & Tech, Kickstarter
Start-up Award
For young, inspiring companies with viable business models, strong scaling potential, and clear market relevance.
Jury members: same as Rookie Award
Sustainability Award
For AM applications and products evaluated across their entire lifecycle and that demonstrably contribute to resource conservation and sustainable value creation.
Jury members: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Kristian Arntz, Professor for Manufacturing Technologies, FH Aachen; Dr. Mohsen Seifi, Vice President, Global Advanced Manufacturing Programs, ASTM INTERNATIONAL; Sherri Monroe, Executive Director, Additive Manufacturing Green Trade Association
”Through the Formnext Awards, we create a framework in which quality, comparability, and responsibility become visible. They are part of our mission to shape technology hubs that provide guidance, enable networking, and sustainably support the industrial implementation of innovative technologies,” says Petra Haarburger, President, Mesago Messe Frankfurt.
Award Ceremony, Public Voting, and On-Site Visibility
The winners of the Formnext Awards 2026 will be honored during the official awards ceremony at Formnext. In addition to the Formnext Award trophy – designed and produced in collaboration with SUTOSUTO and FKM Additive Manufacturing – winners will receive cash or non-cash prizes, such as individualized coaching for start-ups and rookies.
As in previous years, submissions and finalist exhibits will be showcased at Formnext 2026. In addition, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in the decision-making process through public voting, both on-site and online.
Submission Deadlines and Further Information
Submissions are now open:
- Until 31 July 2026 for the Start-up Award
- Until 31 August 2026 for all other categories
Companies also have the opportunity to actively contribute to the further development of the AM industry through sponsorship.
Further information on the Formnext Awards and the application process can be found at:
Formnext
International exhibition and convention on the next generation of manufacturing technologies
The Formnext will be held from 17 - 20 November 2026.
Press information and photographic material:
Links to websites:
Formnext – Hub for Additive Manufacturing
https://www.facebook.com/formnext
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/formnext
https://www.instagram.com/formnext/
Your contact:
Franziska Richter Levin
Phone: +49 711 61946-574
Franziska.Richter-Levin@mesago.com
Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH
Rotebuehlstraße 83 -85
70178 Stuttgart
Germany
Background information on Formnext
Formnext is the hub for Additive Manufacturing, industrial 3D Printing and the next generation of intelligent manufacturing solutions. In addition to the annual highlight, the expo in Frankfurt/Germany, we provide our clients worldwide with a variety of relevant updates, insights and events around Additive Manufacturing (AM) as well as the related technologies along the entire process chains. Formnext is organized by Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH (formnext.com).
Background information on Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH
Since 1982, Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH has specialized in creating B2B formats for specific technology topics. Having originally emerged from the trade fair and congress sector, the company now offers much more than internationally established technology events. Thanks to the consistent development of its portfolio, Mesago connects leading players worldwide through innovative platforms in the form of industry-specific technology hubs, available 24/7, 365 days a year. Alongside traditional expos and conferences, these hubs comprise digital events, in-depth knowledge formats, and comprehensive services that are tailored to the specific requirements of individual industries.
These hubs create a dynamic space for a timely exchange of information and technological innovation, providing a year-round flow of content. With a view to the ever-changing needs of trade communities, Mesago creates ideal conditions through its forward-looking formats, primarily to further develop an even more efficient global network and to ensure that it is always up to date with the latest developments. This is true to the company's motto: 'Connecting bright minds'.
As part of the Messe Frankfurt Group, Mesago employs around 170 people at its headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany. (mesago.com)
Background information on Messe Frankfurt
www.messefrankfurt.com/background-information
Sustainability at Messe Frankfurt
www.messefrankfurt.com/sustainability-information
Background information on the Working Group Additive Manufacturing (Honorary Sponsor)
Within the Working Group Additive Manufacturing, about 200 companies and research institutes collaborate under the direction of the German industry federation VDMA. Here, plant engineers; component and material suppliers; industrial companies that work with metals and plastics; service providers in software, manufacturing, and processing; and numerous researchers all work toward the same goal: the industrialization of Additive Manufacturing techniques. (am.vdma.org)