Innovating with 3D printing is today a real opportunity for companies that want to be more competitive. Additive manufacturing is a key technology of Industry 4.0 and it increasingly has real-world applications.
However, many SMEs and micro-enterprises still wonder how to incorporate 3D printing effectively. Precisely to address this challenge, ThinkIn 3D Mataró was born, the additive manufacturing accelerator.
ThinkIn 3D Mataró: technology transfer for businesses
ThinkIn 3D Mataró was officially presented in December 2022. Around a hundred companies interested in 3D printing attended the event.
Moreover, the event featured the participation of innovation and entrepreneurship experts. They all highlighted the importance of this unique facility. This space captures the spirit of the project, which has just begun its journey.
Meeting point between SMEs, talent and innovation
This new infrastructure is located at the TecnoCampus Mataró. It has a 700 m² space with flexible and versatile equipment.
According to Josep Lluís Checa, general director of TecnoCampus, ThinkIn 3D Mataró facilitates the support of companies in adopting 3D printing. Especially in the case of start-ups, SMEs and micro-enterprises.
On the other hand, the project follows a T-shaped model. On one hand, it has a clear specialization in health and well-being. On the other, it maintains a horizontal vision open to companies from all sectors.
The common denominator is clear: companies that want to innovate with 3D printing.
Additive manufacturing as a driver of business change
This incubator seeks to mobilize resources with real impact. Both for people and for the territory.
In this sense, additive manufacturing is a disruptive technology. It enables new business models. It also opens the door to different design criteria and more flexible production.
Therefore, 3D printing is not just a technological tool. It is a strategic element with great potential.
Betting on general-purpose technologies
In a context of economic uncertainty, transformation is key. This is defended by Esteve Almirall, director of the Center for Innovation in Cities.
During the presentation of the project, Almirall highlighted that many innovation policies focus on specific sectors. However, there is another path with greater cross-cutting impact.
As he explains, betting on general-purpose technologies —such as 3D printing, artificial intelligence or the cloud— benefits many more sectors. Consequently, ThinkIn 3D Mataró becomes a key tool to make this vision a reality in the field of additive manufacturing.
A network of high-tech incubators
ThinkIn 3D Mataró is part of a national ecosystem of high-tech incubators. Currently, there are 23 in Spain, of which 13 are already operational.
According to José Luis Bonet, president of Fundación Incyde, it is the largest network in Europe. Moreover, ambitious goals have been set for 2025:
- Incubate 2,500 technology companies
- Create 45,000 direct jobs
A project with territorial impact
ThinkIn 3D Mataró is promoted by TecnoCampus, with funding from the FEDER Funds of the European Union, through Fundación Incyde and the Mataró City Council.
Since the year 2000, INCYDE has invested more than 330 million euros in entrepreneurship and innovation. The goal is clear: consolidate companies and generate quality employment.
Innovation in a unique environment
The location of ThinkIn 3D Mataró is no coincidence. TecnoCampus is a space designed for entrepreneurship and disruption.
As highlighted by the mayor of Mataró, David Bote, this environment brings talent, innovation and future projection. Moreover, it puts real tools at the service of companies to improve their competitiveness.
In short, innovating with 3D printing is more accessible than ever today. ThinkIn 3D Mataró is the gateway to this future.