Pioneering the Future: Top Young Entrepreneurs Under 30 in 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing

While we frequently focus on the groundbreaking research, innovative technologies, and rapid developments shaping the additive manufacturing industry, it’s crucial to acknowledge the visionary individuals who are truly driving this evolution. Behind every advancement in 3D printing lies the entrepreneurial spirit of bright minds, relentless innovators, and daring founders who are transforming ideas into tangible realities.

The landscape of 3D printing is continuously expanding, offering unprecedented opportunities for creativity and disruption. As the industry matures and new technologies emerge, the potential for innovation grows exponentially, particularly attracting a dynamic generation of young entrepreneurs. These individuals are not just observers; they are active creators, establishing companies and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with 3D printing across a myriad of sectors, from healthcare and automotive to consumer goods and sustainable practices. This article celebrates these inspiring leaders, introducing you to 30 exceptional entrepreneurs under the age of 30 who are making significant strides in additive manufacturing worldwide. Prepare to discover the diverse applications and remarkable achievements of these promising profiles, whose work is fundamentally reshaping our world through 3D printing.

Aleksander Ciszek, 29, Co-founder of 3Yourmind

Recognized by Forbes magazine as a standout young entrepreneur, Aleksander Ciszek embarked on his journey with 3YOURMIND in 2012, following two years of experience at Groupon in Poland. Holding a Master of Finance from the Warsaw School of Economics, Aleksander brought a strong business acumen to the burgeoning 3D printing sector. His company, 3YOURMIND, is dedicated to developing sophisticated software solutions that optimize and streamline the additive manufacturing production process for businesses. This Berlin-based startup has rapidly expanded its global footprint, operating in multiple countries and recently securing a substantial $13 million in funding to fuel its accelerated growth and technological advancements. Their impressive client roster includes industry giants such as Siemens, Deutsche Bahn AG, and Continental, underscoring the vital role their software plays in integrating 3D printing into large-scale industrial operations.

Ricky Solorzano, 29, Co-founder & CEO of Allevi

Ricky Solorzano, a distinguished alumnus of Miami Dade College with an A.A. in Engineering-Science and the University of Pennsylvania where he earned his Bachelor in Bioengineering in 2013, is at the forefront of bio-printing innovation. Immediately after graduation, he co-founded Allevi, a pioneering company based in Philadelphia. Allevi specializes in manufacturing advanced 3D printers and proprietary bio-inks specifically designed for bio-printing applications. The company’s cutting-edge machines are deployed in research institutions worldwide, enabling scientists to make significant strides in critical areas such as expediting drug testing, developing new therapies for diseases, and addressing the severe shortage of organs for transplantation. Under Ricky’s leadership, Allevi is not just creating technology; it’s empowering breakthroughs that promise to revolutionize medicine and improve human health globally.

Clément Jacquelin, 28, Founder & CEO of Athletics 3D

Clément Jacquelin, a graduate engineer from the prestigious Polytechnic Institute of Grenoble, brings a unique blend of athletic excellence and engineering prowess to the 3D printing world. A former high-level athlete and a Biathlon Youth World Champion in 2009, Clément’s passion for sports naturally led him to combine his professional aspirations with his athletic background. This dual focus culminated in the establishment of Athletics 3D in 2017. His French startup is dedicated to leveraging 3D technologies to create custom biathlon rifle stocks, offering unparalleled ergonomic precision and performance enhancement for athletes. Notably, Clément designed the bespoke rifle stock used by the celebrated champion Martin Fourcade during the Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games, showcasing the transformative potential of 3D printing in elite sports.

Jessica Snelling, 26, Co-founder & Senior Printer Developer at Aurora Labs

Jessica Snelling, a brilliant mind with a degree in Mathematical and Computer Sciences from the University of Western Australia, co-founded Aurora Labs 3D in 2014, following a successful Kickstarter campaign. Based in Australia, Aurora Labs has distinguished itself by focusing on the development of an affordable and high-performance metal 3D printer, known as the S-Titanium Pro. This innovative machine features an open architecture and utilizes a hybrid approach, combining Direct Metal Laser Sintering and Laser Melting technologies. It boasts a substantial building volume of 200 x 200 x 250 mm with an impressive X,Y resolution of 70 microns, making advanced metal additive manufacturing more accessible. Under Jessica’s technical leadership, Aurora Labs holds the unique distinction of being Australia’s sole manufacturer of metal 3D printers, positioning the country at the forefront of this specialized industrial sector.

Sidarth Radjou, 27, Co-founder & CTO of Biomodex

Sidarth Radjou, an accomplished graduate of the Ecole Centrale de Paris, initially specialized in energy and industrial processes before turning his entrepreneurial talents to the medical sector. During his academic pursuits, he delved into research focused on enhancing medical imaging through the application of 3D printing technologies. This pivotal work led him to collaborate with Thomas Marchand, a partnership that culminated in the co-founding of BIOMODEX. This innovative startup is dedicated to revolutionizing surgical training by developing highly realistic synthetic organs and sophisticated 3D printed simulation models. By providing surgeons with unparalleled training tools, BIOMODEX aims to significantly improve surgical outcomes and patient safety, marking a critical advancement in medical education and practice.

Nina Hoff, 26, Co-founder & CEO of byFlow

Nina Hoff, a graduate of the Hogeschool in Den Haag with a specialization in healthcare, ventured into entrepreneurship after gaining valuable experience in the healthcare sector for over a year. In 2015, this enterprising young Dutch innovator co-founded byFlow with her brother, Floris. Together, they channeled their creativity into developing a groundbreaking 3D food printer, which garnered significant attention and success on Kickstarter. The byFlow printer operates on a technology similar to FDM, but it extrudes a diverse array of edible materials, allowing for intricate and personalized culinary creations. Demonstrating its innovative impact, byFlow recently announced that its culinary printer would be integrated into the kitchens of a Michelin-starred chef in the Netherlands, highlighting the growing acceptance and potential of 3D food printing in haute cuisine.

Erik Gatenholm, 28, Co-founder & CEO of Cellink

Erik Gatenholm, a visionary entrepreneur, founded Cellink in 2016 immediately after completing his master’s degree. Based in Sweden, Cellink was conceived with a clear focus on advancing the field of bioprinting. Erik identified a critical void in the market: the lack of standardized print materials specifically designed for bioprinting applications. This realization became the cornerstone of Cellink’s mission. The company successfully developed and commercialized the world’s first standardized filament for bioprinting. Today, Cellink offers an extensive catalog of 26 different bio-inks, which are widely utilized by leading research institutions globally, including MIT and Harvard. For his pioneering contributions and significant impact on the bioprinting industry, Erik Gatenholm was deservedly recognized by Forbes magazine as one of its “30 Under 30” luminaries.

Matthieu Régnier, 30, Co-founder & CEO of Dagoma

After graduating from CESI engineering school, Matthieu Régnier moved to China, where he connected with his future business partner, Gauthier Vignon. In 2013, fueled by dissatisfaction with the then-current offerings of 3D printers, they decided to establish Dagoma. The company quickly specialized in the production of highly accessible and low-cost FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) machines, which rapidly gained popularity within the vibrant maker community. Dagoma’s flagship product, the DiscoEasy 200, is a DIY 3D printer retailing for under €300 and offers a generous 200 x 200 x 200 mm build volume. Dagoma has successfully showcased its innovative products at major international technology events, including the CES in Las Vegas and more recently at IFA Berlin, cementing its reputation for delivering affordable and user-friendly 3D printing solutions.

Constantine Ivanov, 30, Co-founder & CEO of Digifabster

Constantine Ivanov began his academic journey at the Moscow State Technological University of Civil Aviation before completing his studies at the International Institute of Advertising, graduating in 2013. Shortly after, he co-founded 3DPrintus, an pioneering online service dedicated to rapid manufacturing across the CIS region. Building on this experience, in 2014, he co-founded DigiFabster. DigiFabster’s core mission is to automate order workflow and streamline production processes for both additive manufacturing and CNC businesses. This powerful platform empowers 3D printing firms and machine tooling shops to efficiently manage their entire order pipeline, from initial inquiry to final delivery, and effectively convert potential clients into loyal, buying customers. Constantine’s vision has transformed how manufacturing services are accessed and managed in the digital age.

Dave Greenfeld, 29, Co-founder of Dream Pops

A graduate of the prestigious Haas Business School in California, Dave Greenfeld is a serial entrepreneur with a flair for innovation. He first founded JVST Wine, a wine-focused startup, in 2012. Four years later, his entrepreneurial vision shifted to the food industry, leading him to co-found Dream Pops. This inventive startup specializes in creating unique ice cream treats, meticulously designed and crafted using 3D printing technology. Dave and his associates leverage 3D printing to produce molds with intricate and complex shapes, enabling them to create visually stunning and highly original ice creams. Made from all-natural ingredients, Dream Pops aims to revolutionize the consumer experience of desserts, offering a novel blend of artistry, health, and technological ingenuity in the culinary world.

Claire Chabaud, 25, Co-founder of Endeer

Claire Chabaud, holding a Master’s degree in Economics and Business from Sciences Po, began her professional journey as a Project Manager at Sculpteo, where she developed a profound passion for 3D printing. This passion quickly translated into an entrepreneurial endeavor with the creation of her startup, Endeer. Claire identified a significant issue: an alarming 80% of women wear bras that are not adequately fitted to their body. To address this widespread problem, she innovated SHAPE, a revolutionary bra featuring 3D printed underwires that are custom-adapted to each woman’s unique morphology. Her groundbreaking work and commitment to personalized design earned her the 2nd edition of the Pitch Startups at Add Fab in Paris, solidifying Endeer’s position as a game-changer in intimate apparel.

Jeff Herman 29 & David Pain 27, Co-founders of Fabric8Labs

Jeff Hermann (29, CEO) and David Pain (27, CTO) are the ingenious co-founders behind Fabric8Labs, a company that has developed a groundbreaking approach to metal 3D printing. Established in San Diego in 2015, their startup has pioneered the Stereo-Electrochemical Deposition (SED) process, a non-thermal method that uniquely eliminates the need for lasers, powder, or intense heat in metal additive manufacturing. This innovative technique significantly reduces production costs and broadens the range of materials that can be 3D printed. Their pioneering work earned them a spot on Forbes magazine’s coveted “30 Under 30” list. Fabric8Labs is already collaborating with major players in the automotive industry and leading medical technology companies, demonstrating the wide-ranging applicability and immense potential of their advanced metal printing solution.

Tyler McNaney, 25, Founder of Filabot

Tyler McNaney’s entrepreneurial journey with Filabot began in 2011 with a highly successful Kickstarter campaign that raised over $32,000 in just 30 days. This triumph led him to make the bold decision to leave college and fully commit to his groundbreaking idea. In 2012, Filabot was officially founded in Barre, Vermont, US, driven by a profound mission “to recycle the widest range of plastics possible.” The company is dedicated to transforming plastic waste into high-quality 3D printer filament. Filabot designs, engineers, manufactures, and retails specialized filament extruders and spoolers, offering solutions that enable a closed-loop system for 3D printing. With a strong commitment to ecologically responsible and sustainable practices, their innovative machines empower users to recycle everyday plastics, such as water bottles and failed 3D prints, significantly reducing waste and promoting environmental stewardship within the additive manufacturing community.

Gauthier Laviron & Bastien Vanlathem, 25 & 26, Co-founders of GRYP

Gauthier Laviron (25) and Bastien Vanlathem (26), both graduates of IAE Bordeaux, united their shared passion for vintage cars to co-found the French startup GRYP (Get and Reused Youngtimers Parts) in October 2017. Recognizing the increasing difficulty in sourcing spare parts for classic automobiles, which have become exceedingly rare on the automotive market, these two young entrepreneurs quickly turned to advanced 3D technologies. GRYP’s innovative approach involves using 3D printing to create replacement parts for old cars, offering collectors an affordable and efficient solution to restore their cherished vehicles. Their work not only addresses a significant challenge for automotive enthusiasts but also showcases the versatility of additive manufacturing in specialized niche markets, preserving automotive heritage through modern technology.

Jooyeon Song, 26, Co-founder of Mani.me

Jooyeon Song’s impressive career began with studies in Business & Literature at Seoul National University. After gaining valuable experience as a BCG consultant and an IT assistant at Hyundai Motors in India, she pursued an MBA at Stanford, where she met David Miro Llopis. This meeting was serendipitous, as together they co-founded Mani.me, a pioneering company that offers 3D printed manicures through a convenient subscription service. The process is elegantly simple: customers submit photos of their hands via a dedicated application, and Mani.me then uses this data to custom-design and 3D print tailor-made nails. Mani.me’s innovative approach to personalized beauty caught the attention of the Stanley + Techstar accelerator, a program specifically renowned for supporting additive manufacturing companies, further validating their unique business model.

Giuseppe Cicero, 27, & Martina Francesca Ferracane, 27, Co-founders of Oral3D

Giuseppe Cicero (27) and Martina Francesca Ferracane (27) are celebrated by Forbes magazine as influential “30 Under 30” entrepreneurs in Europe, recognized for their impact in technology and health. Giuseppe, a graduate of the University of Tor Vergata in Rome, pursued advanced studies in a Periodontics program in New York after his initial clinical practice. Martina, who specialized in Economics and European Institutions at the University of Rome La Sapienza and holds a Ph.D. from the University of Hamburg, brings a robust strategic perspective. Together, they co-founded Oral3D, a company that has developed a specialized 3D printer tailored for the dental sector. Oral3D offers dentists a comprehensive package, including a dedicated 3D printer, specialized software, and suitable filaments, enabling them to seamlessly print highly accurate models of patient oral cavities. This innovation streamlines dental procedures, enhances diagnostic precision, and advances patient care in oral health.

Martin Bonde Jensen, 28, Co-founder & Chief Technical Officer at Particle3D

Martin Bonde Jensen (28) demonstrated an early aptitude for 3D printing applications, exploring the topic extensively in his Bachelor’s thesis. This foundational work immediately propelled him and his team to found Particle3D in 2017, directly after he graduated in Health Technology. Particle3D is a pioneering biomedical engineering company focused on developing advanced techniques for creating human bone through 3D printing. Their patented technology enables the fabrication of custom-fit, 3D-printed implants made exclusively from the body’s own biocompatible compounds. This innovation ensures better integration and reduced risk of rejection, marking a significant leap forward in reconstructive surgery and personalized medicine. For his groundbreaking work in this critical field, Martin was duly recognized by Forbes magazine, highlighting his leadership in transforming medical implant technology.

Cassandra Delage, 25, Founder & CEO of Plastif

Armed with a Bachelor in Commerce from McGill University and a Master in Entrepreneurship from HEC Paris, Cassandra Delage launched Plast’if in 2017 with a clear mission: to combat plastic waste through innovative recycling and 3D printing. Her startup aims to empower employees globally by providing them with the means to recycle plastic waste directly into new, functional 3D printed objects. Cassandra and her dedicated team have developed a specialized machine capable of processing various types of plastics, including PET, PP, and PS, transforming them into usable materials for 3D printing. Plast’if is actively collaborating with major corporations to install its recycling machines, fostering a more sustainable circular economy and contributing significantly to reducing environmental impact by creating value from waste. Cassandra’s vision is a tangible step towards a greener, more sustainable industrial future.

Tim Ellis, 27, Co-founder & CEO of Relativity Space

Tim Ellis, who earned both his Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from the University of Southern California in 2013, is a true pioneer in the aerospace industry. In late 2015, he co-founded Relativity Space, a company with an audacious goal: to entirely 3D print rockets. Under his leadership, Relativity Space has successfully developed the world’s first autonomous rocket factory and offers a launch service utilizing fully 3D printed rockets. This revolutionary approach significantly reduces complexity, cost, and lead times in rocket manufacturing. The long-term vision driving Relativity Space, and Tim’s ambition, is to leverage their advanced 3D printing technology to one day print the first rocket directly on Mars, fundamentally transforming space exploration and colonization capabilities.

Alessio Lorusso, 26, CEO of Roboze

Alessio Lorusso’s journey into 3D printing began remarkably early; he manufactured his first 3D printer at just 17 years old. These initial developments quickly blossomed into the creation of Roboze, a company dedicated to manufacturing high-performance 3D printers for the demanding industrial sector. Roboze has rapidly grown into a significant player, with annual revenues around $1.4 million, forging key collaborations with global industry leaders such as Airbus and GE. Alessio’s entrepreneurial success and innovative vision earned him a coveted spot on Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list this year. Based in Bari, Italy, Roboze specializes in printing with advanced, high-quality thermoplastics like PEEK, Ultem, and Carbon Fibers, utilizing its impressive range of machines: the Roboze One, Roboze One 400, and the Argo 500. The company recently announced ambitious plans to expand into new markets across the EMEA region and the Asian continent, further solidifying its global presence in industrial additive manufacturing.

James Cao, 25 & Rain Wang, 28, Co-founders of Skelmet

Rain Wang (28, CEO), holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Physics, and James Cao (25, CTO), with a Master in Electrical Engineering, quickly transitioned from academia to entrepreneurship. In 2016, they co-founded Skelmet, initially conceived to create custom-fit helmets, a concept still reflected in the company’s name. However, they soon identified a much larger market opportunity in personalized eyewear. At Skelmet, they ingeniously combine advanced 3D scanning technology with precise 3D printing to produce eyeglasses that are custom-tailored to perfectly fit each customer’s unique facial structure. Their innovative approach to personalizing wearable technology earned them a well-deserved recognition in Forbes magazine’s “30 Under 30” category, highlighting their success in merging cutting-edge technology with consumer needs to deliver superior comfort and fit.

Mariel Diaz Castro, 29, Co-founder & Director of Triditive

Mariel Diaz Castro, a mechanical and industrial engineer graduate from the University of Oviedo, exhibited an early fascination with 3D printing, building her first DIY 3D printer at just 22. This hands-on experience laid the foundation for her co-founding of Triditive in 2013, alongside José Antonio Fernández. Triditive has evolved into a leading serial additive manufacturing center, responsible for developing innovative machines such as the Delta 3D printer “ATOM 2.5 EX.” The company is poised to unveil AMCELL, an industrial additive manufacturing system designed for large-scale production in both metal and polymers, which will be showcased at the 1st Forum of Additive Manufacturing in Spain, an event also organized by Triditive. Beyond her technological advancements, Mariel is deeply committed to education, offering a “Creative 3D Printing” training course in collaboration with the University of Oviedo, fostering the next generation of additive manufacturing talent.

Christina Guo, 24, Founder of U-Dimensions

Christina Guo, a designer and materials specialist, graduated from OCAD University in Canada in 2015. That same year, she initiated the U-Dimensions project, which began as a school assignment focused on developing software capable of converting 2D images into 3D models. This innovative concept quickly blossomed into a specialized platform for 3D printing merchandising of video game characters. Today, U-Dimensions is a highly successful and popular website within the global gamer community. The platform offers a vast array of collectible 3D printed items, ranging from keychains and mobile covers to rings and intricate figurines, and even provides the unique ability for users to upload and print their own 3D models. U-Dimensions actively collaborates with video game companies, enabling them to generate additional revenue by printing and selling their characters, while U-Dimensions efficiently handles all production and distribution, cementing its role as a key player in bespoke gaming merchandise.

Max Friefeld, 26, Co-founder & CEO of Voodoo Manufacturing

Max Friefeld, an Engineering Bachelor degree holder from Harvey Mudd College in 2013, has a notable track record in the 3D printing sector. His entrepreneurial journey began in 2012 when he co-founded Layer by Layer, an online marketplace for 3D printable designs, which was subsequently acquired by MakerBot in 2014. Building on this success, Max co-founded Voodoo Manufacturing in 2015, following a successful fundraising campaign that secured over $250,000. Based in Brooklyn, NY, Voodoo Manufacturing operates with the ambitious goal of democratizing manufacturing for everyone. The company boasts a state-of-the-art robotic 3D printing factory, housing over 200 3D printers capable of producing thousands of parts, ranging from 1 to 10,000 units, significantly faster than traditional manufacturing methods. Voodoo Manufacturing also provides 3D design assistance for clients who may not possess the capabilities to create their own print-ready 3D files. Their diverse clientele includes engineers, entrepreneurs, and major corporations such as Microsoft and Intel, highlighting their impact across various industries.

Nora Touré, 30, Founder of Womenin3DP

After two years of law school, Nora Touré ultimately graduated from the Paris Graduate School of Management in 2012. She swiftly immersed herself in the additive manufacturing sector, working at Sculpteo for eight impactful years. In 2014, concurrent with her role, she established Women in 3D Printing (Wi3DP), a global initiative dedicated to promoting and supporting women within the 3D printing industry through a vibrant network of events and professional opportunities. Today, Wi3DP has grown into a thriving community that unites over 4,000 women worldwide. Further extending her commitment to social inclusion and economic empowerment, Nora also serves as a Board Advisor for 3D Africa. This program, developed by the Youth for Technology Foundation (YTF), is a non-profit organization with extensive experience in combining education, technology, and economic development to foster self-sustainable communities among economically challenged youth and women, truly showcasing Nora’s dedication to creating a more equitable and innovative future.

Alban Mallet, 28, Founder & CEO of XtreeE

Since graduating from the architecture school of Paris Malaquais in 2015, Alban Mallet has dedicated his expertise to developing advanced additive manufacturing processes utilizing a wide array of materials, including concrete, clay, and various polymers. In the same year, he founded XtreeE, a pioneering company focused on the development of large-scale additive manufacturing systems specifically for the construction industry. XtreeE has quickly become a significant innovator in this field, collaborating with major partners such as ABB, LafargeHolcim, and Vinci Construction. Alban’s leadership is particularly crucial for the XtreeE R&D and training facility, where he oversees the continuous advancement of their technology and ensures that new construction techniques are effectively disseminated. His work is instrumental in ushering in a new era of efficiency and design freedom in construction through 3D printing.

The entrepreneurs highlighted in this list represent a fraction of the immense talent and innovation flourishing within the 3D printing industry. Their vision, dedication, and ingenuity are not only driving technological progress but also creating new markets, solving complex challenges, and inspiring countless others to explore the possibilities of additive manufacturing. From bio-printing organs to constructing buildings and enabling sustainable recycling, these young leaders are demonstrating the transformative power of 3D printing across virtually every sector imaginable. As we look to the future, it is clear that these bright minds will continue to shape the industry, pushing boundaries and forging new pathways for innovation. Their stories are a testament to the fact that with passion and perseverance, groundbreaking ideas can indeed revolutionize industries and contribute to a better, more advanced world.

Do you know any other young entrepreneurs in 3D printing who deserve recognition on this esteemed list? We invite you to share your insights in a comment below or connect with us on our Facebook and Twitter pages! And for all the latest news on progress, research, and more inspiring entrepreneurs in 3D printing, remember to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox!