Allen Brown
The 3D printing sector has exploded in recent years, disrupting a range of industries with the promise of rapid prototyping, low-cost customization, and complex geometric capabilities. No city encapsulates the industry’s meteoric rise quite like San Jose, California, home to an impressive crop of startups innovating in the field. This article aims to spotlight some of the most exciting new companies, all launched in 2020 or later, who are breaking ground in 3D printing and making San Jose the industry’s beating heart.
These startups represent a mix of industries, from gaming to electronics, education to manufacturing, each utilising the power of 3D printing in their own unique ways. One common thread among them all is their commitment to pushing the boundaries of the possible, harnessing the capabilities of 3D printing technology to solve problems and create products that were unthinkable even a few short years ago.
They include companies like Tilt Five deploying augmented reality (AR) systems, Kuprion revolutionizing electronics with nanotechnology, and San Draw developing new technologies to enable the 3D printing of complex, multi-material devices. The aim of this article is to give you a glimpse into the future, and with these innovative startups making strides in 3D printing, the future looks bright indeed.
Tilt Five
Founded by Jamie Gennis and Jeri Ellsworth in San Jose, Tilt Five combines 3D printing and gaming to provide an augmented reality (AR) system that brings your favorite games right into your living room. Its innovative projection technology creates a lifelike gaming environment that can be shared with friends. It’s a whole new way to experience digital entertainment.
Kuprion
Enabling a new generation of printable electronics and integrated circuit chips, Kuprion, founded by Alfred Zinn, prides itself on a state-of-the-art, copper-based nanotechnology which yields highly electrically conductive material. The resulting connections are incredibly high performance, leading to more powerful products from smartphones to electric cars.
San Draw
Developing FAM Technology to facilitate 3D printing with features in full-color, adjustable-hardness, and multi-material, San Draw was established by two Stanford University alumni, Gary Chang and Michael Lu. The company is influencing the Dental, EdTech, Education, Medical Device, and Universities industries with its groundbreaking tech.
OWL WORKS 3D
OWL WORKS 3D, founded by SJ Park, uses a novel resin-curing 3D printing process called LIPS (Light Induced Planar Solidification). This tech is akin to CLIP technology, but with even more improvement in performance, quality, print speed, and cost efficiency.
Orbital Composites
Specialising in advanced materials, robotics automation, and architected materials are the focus of San Jose startup Orbital Composites. Founded by Amolak Badesha and Cole Nielsen, the firm has been leveraging the power of 3D printing to provide cost-effective scalable manufacturing systems that can work on complex curves.
Atheros Communications
Atheros Communications is a semiconductors company specialising in radio frequency, mixed signal, and digital semiconductor design services. Founded by Teresa Huai-Ying Meng, the company utilizes 3D printing in its pursuit of technological excellence.
Signature Print
Signature Print Services has been experimenting with 3D printing to provide a more robust service to its clientele in the commercial sector. Their business includes print brokerages, resale printing, and advertising specialties.
EoPlex Technologies
Founded by Charles Taylor, EoPlex Technologies is the creator of a high-volume 3D printing technology and process that delivers complex multi-material devices using proprietary inks. This innovative technology is revolutionizing the semiconductor packaging and IOT/MEMs industries.
SN&N Electronics
SN&N Electronics delivers core engineering services, applying 3D printing technologies in its realms of electrical, software and firmware, lasers and optics, and mechanical service offerings.
Eugene Fleisher
Located in San Jose, California, Eugene Fleisher is a 3D printing startup operating in manufacturing and software. The company’s details are still relatively unknown as they may be in the early stage of development.
Altaz
Altaz, Inc., is a consumer electronics and technology firm dedicated to designing and manufacturing products that are creative, functional, and user-friendly. Using 3D printing to provide unique solutions, Altaz has been delivering quality products and exceeding customer expectations.
