AMBER
Additive Manufacturing in Berlin-Brandenburg: AMBER Promotes Global Networking and Sustainable Innovations
With the AMBER (Additive Manufacturing Berlin-Brandenburg) initiative, the capital region of Berlin-Brandenburg is becoming one of Europe's leading hubs for additive manufacturing (3D printing). As the region's central 3D printing initiative, AMBER promotes the rapid transfer of research results into sustainable and internationally competitive innovations. At the same time, AMBER serves as an umbrella brand for the additive manufacturing ecosystem, fostering connections between business, science and industry.
AMBER as a driver for additive manufacturing
AMBER is coordinated by Berlin Partner for Business and Technology GmbH, Berlin's economic development agency, and is part of the Master Plan Industrial City Berlin 2022-2026. The initiative will be implemented in close cooperation with stakeholders from Brandenburg to create a strong innovation network. With a total funding volume of around €17 million, 12 R&D projects involving 25 partners from science and industry have already been launched. Key areas of focus include personalised medical technology, sustainable construction and lightweight design, bio-based materials and space applications. One outstanding example is the development of a hydrogel-based 3D printing system in collaboration with PhantomX GmbH and the Charité University Medicine Berlin
By working closely with companies and research institutions in Brandenburg, AMBER is extending its reach and contributing to a supra-regional network in the field of additive manufacturing. This collaboration fosters innovation projects with the potential to strengthen the entire capital region as a centre for industrial 3D printing technologies (airport-region.de).
International networking: The AMBER Tech Journey 2025
To further advance additive manufacturing and promote international exchange, AMBER regularly organises delegation trips. A recent highlight was the AMBER Tech Journey 2025, which took place from 2 to 7 February and took the delegation from New York City to Boston. The participants explored the US market, made valuable contacts with potential partners and gathered new innovation impulses.
AMBER at Additive Manufacturing Strategies in New York
A key event was the Additive Manufacturing Strategies (AMS) in New York, one of the leading industry conferences for C-level executives, investors and experts. As an official partner, AMBER had its own booth and participated in key discussions. David Hampel, Head of Unit Industrial Production and Manufacturing Industries at Berlin Partner, took part in the panel discussion "Rebuilding the Industrial Base: Government and National Clusters", highlighting the key role of Berlin and Brandenburg as an innovation hub for additive manufacturing in Germany and Europe.
Boston: A hotspot for innovation
The second part of the trip was to Boston, where the delegation was given exclusive access to projects at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The itinerary also included visits to leading companies such as Autodesk, Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF) and Markforged. These organisations are among the most dynamic centres of innovation in the world and are driving ground-breaking advances in additive manufacturing.
Looking ahead
The AMBER Tech Journey 2025 has demonstrated that international knowledge sharing and global collaboration are essential for the future development of additive manufacturing. The industry is undergoing a profound transformation, characterised by global realignment and consolidation. AMBER will actively contribute to this process and further position Berlin-Brandenburg as a leading hub for industrial 3D printing technologies
Sources: businesslocationcenter.de, airport-region.de, braincity.berlin, amber.berlin
Tradition meets innovation
The combination of established companies, a vibrant start-up scene and top-class research institutions provides an ideal environment for industrial companies seeking an innovative environment. The industrial sector includes key areas such as Industry 4.0, additive manufacturing, electrical engineering, mechanical and plant engineering, plastics and chemicals, metals and food production. Companies in these 'traditional' industries play a crucial role in the development of cutting-edge technologies and ensure interconnected supplier relationships within the Capital Region.
For further information on the economic development of growth sectors in the region and on business and technology promotion for companies, investors and scientific institutions, please contact