At the last Formnext, the new awards competition and the winners of the six categories attracted considerable international attention. In 2025, Formnext will write the next chapter in this success story by once again presenting the Formnext Awards in six different categories, honoring, among other things, aspiring young companies, future-oriented sustainable business models, and cutting-edge technologies. Some newly appointed jury members will also bring fresh ideas to the table. Applications are now open.
Once again this year, outstanding developments and exceptional achievements from the world of Additive Manufacturing will be honored in the following categories:
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AMbassador Award: outstanding individuals or organizations who have a unique impact on the industry and users through innovative training and education approaches or their personal advocacy.
The panel: Dr. Irene Skibinski (VDMA Additive Manufacturing), Haden Quinlan (MIT - Massachusetts Institute of Technology), Ralf Anderhofstadt (Daimler Truck AG | Daimler Buses GmbH), Lisa D. Block (Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies & Women in 3D Printing)
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Design Award: exceptional AM design and AM products (aesthetic and functional aspects).
The panel: Anouk Wipprecht (FashionTech Designer and Engineer), Duann Scott (BITS to ATOMS and CDFAM), Prof. Dr.- Ing. Oliver Tessmann (TU Darmstadt DDU Digital Design Unit - Digitales Gestalten), Evamaria Deisen (Deisen Design)
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(R)Evolution Award: groundbreaking products, technologies, or services that offer outstanding added value for the user.
The panel: Dr. Melissa Orme (Boeing), Dr.-Ing. Maximilian Binder (BMW Group), Prof. Jennifer Johns (University of Bristol Business School)
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Rookie Award: young individuals with promising business ideas who have either not yet founded a company or who launched less than a year ago.
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Start-up Award: young, inspiring companies with viable business models.
The panel for the Rookie and Start-up Awards: Arno Held (AM Ventures), Alex Kingsbury (nLight), Prof. Dr. Peter Mayr (TU München) und Dr.-Ing. Sascha Schwarz (TUM Venture Labs), Heather Swift Hunt (Kickstarter)
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Sustainability Award: AM applications and products evaluated and rated on the basis of their product life cycle.
The panel: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Kristian Arntz (FH Aachen), Dr. Mohsen Seifi (ASTM International), Sherri Monroe (Additive Manufacturer Green Trade Association, AMGTA)
“To keep moving forward, the AM industry needs a constant supply of new and forward-looking ideas and innovators. So, we want to do more than just give outstanding people, companies, and organizations a stage. We also want to help them network and connect with potential customers, partners, and investors,” explains Christoph Stüker, Vice President Formnext at event organizer Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH.
The entries in each category will be judged by a distinguished panel of judges, some of whom are new this year, bringing fresh ideas with new perspectives and a broad expertise. The winners will be announced at the award ceremony at Formnext on the evening of Thursday, 20 November 2025. In addition to the beautifully designed Formnext Awards trophy, the winners will receive a cash prize or non-cash prizes such as business coaching.
“The success of last year’s Formnext Awards launch has demonstrated the significant opportunities that the awards offer participants and winners in each category,” explains Petra Haarburger, President of event organizer Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH. “They enjoy access to all relevant international experts in one place and benefit from targeted networking and scope for in-depth discussions and strategic partnerships - while also raising their profile among key decision-makers in the industry and beyond. The awards stage at Formnext is where competence, relevance, and reach come together.”
As in the previous year, the finalists’ submissions and exhibits will be on display at Formnext 2025 as part of a special exhibition. In the public vote, Formnext’s visitors will have the opportunity to select one of the finalists in each of the six categories, either on site or online, and thus help determine the final result.
Applications are open from now until 31 July for the Start-up Award and 31 August for all other categories. For more information, see formnext.com/awards.
