The personalities who shaped the additive manufacturing market in 2024

As we approach the end of the year, it's time to highlight the personalities who shaped the 3D printing industry throughout 2024. Whether executives of large companies, innovators or researchers – these personalities have helped to change and influence the additive manufacturing market both locally and globally. In an ever-evolving and challenging market, these individuals drive innovation and advance the additive manufacturing industry with resilience and enthusiasm. This year we have once again selected eight personalities who we believe have played a crucial role in the development of 3D printing in 2024. They are listed in alphabetical order (by last name) – the perfect way to end the year!

Roger Antunez, CEO of Supernova

Roger Antunez is CEO of Supernova, a Spanish company created earlier this year following the divisional division of BCN3D to independently manage the development and deployment of VLM technology. Roger Antunez has extensive experience in additive manufacturing, having served as Managing Director at BCN3D for six years and currently remains a member of the company's Board of Directors. As for Supernova, we've heard a lot about it this year. They presented Pulse, their production platform, as well as a whole portfolio of materials compatible with their patented technology. The company also announced the creation of a Defense and Space business unit for materials specifically designed for this industry. Finally, the company led by Mr. Antunez took part in Formnext as an exhibitor for the first time and was even nominated for the event’s “Startup Award”.

Stefanie Brickwede, Managing Director of MGA and Head of Additive Manufacturing at Deutsche Bahn

Stefanie Brickwede has been Managing Director of Mobility Goes Additive since 2016 and Head of Additive Manufacturing at Deutsche Bahn since 2015. With years of management experience in additive manufacturing and mobility, Stefanie leads Mobility Goes Additive (MGA) network for continuous growth. It is considered one of the most important networks in the additive manufacturing and transport landscape, especially for the German market. Today it has over 150 members in Europe and around the world, bringing together industry experts and promoting the adoption of technologies in the industry. Under the leadership of Stefanie Brickwede, the “Medical Goes Additive” section and the “Women in Additive Manufacturing” conference have been created in the network in recent years.

Amy Elliot, 3D printing scientist at ORNL

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is an American multiprogram science and technology laboratory. Among the various profiles working in the additive manufacturing field in the laboratory, we wanted to highlight Amy Elliott, a scientist specializing in 3D printing. Amy has an extensive background in engineering and worked at NASA as a collaborative engineer for three years. In addition to her role as a scientist, she also leads the Robotics and Intelligent Systems group at ORNL. Throughout 2024, we saw various projects coming out of the lab that used 3D printing. It attracted attention, for example, by creating 3D nesting structures for endangered bats, but also by developing 3D printed slides for hydroelectric power plants and even by developing a system to improve quality control in additive manufacturing. Many thanks to the team of researchers and scientists behind the project, including Amy. Amy has made her mark on additive manufacturing, particularly through educational content on television.

Arik Kaufman, CEO of Steakholder Foods

Arik Kaufman is CEO and co-founder of Steakholder Foods, an Israeli company that uses 3D printing to create plant-based substitutes for meat, fish, and seafood. The company has grown rapidly over the past two years with the introduction of innovative and unique products that mimic the texture of meat and fish such as steaks, squid, shrimp and more. This year marked the first time that Steakholder Foods' products received the green light from the US market, and the company recently partnered with UMAMI Bioworks to increase production of 3D printed fish fillets with the aim of marketing them internationally . Arik Kaufman commented: “Our advanced 3D printing technologies are not only a testament to innovation, but also a commitment to sustainability and health. These products represent our mission: to provide consumers with food choices that are not only delicious, but also responsible for the planet.”

Rajeev Kulkarni, CSO of Axtra3D and Chairman of Caracol

Next on our list of 2024 personalities is a veteran in the world of 3D printing. With 30 years of experience in the industry, Rajeev Kulkarni is undoubtedly a leading figure in the world of additive manufacturing. In a career that began at 3D Systems in 1995, he worked with Chuck Hull and contributed to the 3D printing revolution and the development of new solutions. Mr. Kulkarni remained with 3D Systems until last year, when he stepped down as the company's vice president of strategy and development. He now has a successful track record in angel investing and entrepreneurship. In 2024, he became Chief Strategy Officer of Axtra3D, one of the most innovative companies in 3D resin printing. For several months he has also been CEO of Caracol, a fast-growing Italian company internationally and especially in North America, known for its LFAM solutions.

Josefine Lissner, CEO and founder of LEAP 71

Josefine Lissner is an aerospace engineer and pioneer in the field of computer technology. As head of strategic engineering at Hyperganic, she developed the world's largest 3D printed aerospike rocket engine and the first rocket engine designed entirely algorithmically. She also led a team that developed advanced calculation and manufacturing methods. Since 2023, she has been the founder and CEO of LEAP 71, a company dedicated to advancing technological advancement through computing. This year, LEAP 71 developed the engine model for the TKL-5 rocket using proprietary Noyron software without human intervention, which was then manufactured using additive manufacturing. A milestone in the aerospace industry.

Stephanie Willerth, CEO of Axolotl Biosciences

Since the medical sector is one of the main users of 3D printing, it is no surprise that many companies in this field have been in the spotlight this year. Among them is the Canadian company Axolotl Biosciences, led by Stephanie Willerth. Before founding the startup, Stephanie was a Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Acting Director of the Biomedical Research Center at the University of Victoria, Canada. In 2020, she founded the company to develop biological inks for 3D bioprinting of human tissue that have been proven to maintain high levels of cell viability after manufacturing. Axolotl Biosciences won this year's Formnext 2024 Startup Award, which was presented to Ms. Willerth at the awards ceremony.

Dr. Lei Xue, CEO of BLT Technologies

Bright Laser Technologies, or BLT for short, is another company that has been in the news a lot this year. For this reason we have decided to appoint its CEO, Dr. Lei -PBF and DED processes. This high-strength, low-density alloy meets the demanding requirements of this industry. In addition, the company participated in various rocket projects, some of which were developed through additive manufacturing, such as LandSpace's ZhuQue-3 rocket, launched in January, or Orienspace's Gravity-1 rocket, launched in April. Finally, this year the company launched its new 3D printer BLT-S450, which it also presented at Formnext 2024.

What do you think of the personalities of additive manufacturing in 2024? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, FacebookAnd Twitter Pages! Don't forget to sign up for our free weekly subscription Newsletter hereGet the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all of our videos on our YouTube Channel.