Dutch-based Novenda Technologies has raised $6.1M (nearly €5.2M) to advance its multi-material 3D printing technology for dental products. The funding will support the company’s efforts to reshape dental manufacturing and expand access to dental care.
The round was led by Brightlands Venture Partners and included support from KBC Focus Fund, Borski Fund, Limburg Business Development Fund/LIOF, angel investors, and a credit facility from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).
Olga Goor, Investment Manager at Brightlands Venture Partners, says, “As lead investor, Brightlands Venture Partners is proud to support Novenda Technologies in this next phase of growth. Their multi-material jetting technology is a breakthrough in digital dentistry, enabling scalable, high-precision manufacturing with minimal waste and post-processing.”
“This innovation not only sets a new quality standard for dental products but also enhances the affordability of dental care for patients who are unable to afford alternatives currently available in the market. This will ultimately drive the transformation of the dental industry towards a more sustainable and equitable future.”
Advancing dental manufacturing
As sugar use increases and dental care costs continue to climb, about 3.5 billion people worldwide face oral health problems. The dental industry is under pressure to raise manufacturing capacity, particularly in regions where centralised production is common. This is where Novenda Technologies looks to make a difference.
Founded in 2019 by Klaas Wiertzema, Petra Doelman, and Joost Anne Veerman, Novenda Technologies was established after market research and discussions with dental professionals. The team engaged with dentists, dental technicians, and other stakeholders to design a solution for dental product manufacturing.
In 2021, the company installed its first printer at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven and completed its first multi-material print using in-house software and materials. This marked the start of further development, leading to a proof of concept for nightguards and dentures in 2023.
Novenda Technologies has developed a full-stack 3D printing platform that enables the production of dental products, combining multiple materials in a single piece. This method allows the use of both hard and soft materials, eliminating the need for manual assembly or post-processing.
The company’s system uses water-soluble supports that can be removed with tap water, streamlining production. A key feature of the platform is its smart print modes, which allow for accurate layer control without mechanical rollers. This avoids ink contamination and expands material and colour options, addressing limitations seen in other systems. The approach marks a shift in how dental products can be manufactured at scale.
CEO and co-founder, Wiertzema, says, “The combination of water-soluble support and the absence of mechanical interventions to compensate for imprecision ensures unprecedented long-term accuracy and eliminates the need for extensive post-processing. This is particularly important in a world where dental technicians are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive.”
Novenda Technologies’ platform is showing results in dental manufacturing. Its colour management algorithm enables a wide range of colour outputs from a limited set of base colours, while maintaining mechanical strength to prevent product failure during use.
The system can produce up to 15 nightguards and 8 dentures per hour, supporting the needs of mid-size and large dental labs. The LD100 printer, offered as a one-time purchase, operates exclusively with Novenda’s materials. This ensures consistent quality and biocompatibility, while also creating a recurring materials-based revenue model for the company.
Wiertzema adds, “Having an idea for a disruptive technology is just the beginning. Realising this vision requires the right people, the right drive, and the right team spirit. At Novenda, we don’t just say that people are our most important asset – we live it.”
“We are deeply committed to fostering a culture that stimulates and supports our team, ensuring that every member is motivated and empowered to achieve the extraordinary. This drive for excellence is reflected in our approach to providing customers with the most reliable and user-friendly printers, combined with the best support they could wish for.”
Capital utilisation
Novenda Technologies plans to expand its 3D printing platform beyond current dental applications. The company aims to enter new markets that require individualised mass manufacturing.
In the near term, Novenda is focused on rolling out its solution to mid-size and large dental labs in Europe and the US. By targeting these facilities, the company looks to meet the rising demand with a high-throughput, automated system designed to improve production efficiency and reduce manual processes.
Nuno Carvalho, Investment Director at KBC Focus Fund, says, “At KBC Focus Fund, we invest in deeptech companies that push the boundaries of innovation, and Novenda is a prime example of this. Their groundbreaking multi-material jetting technology has the potential to transform the dental industry by enabling cost-effective, high-quality production of dental products with minimal waste and post-processing.”
“We are excited to support Novenda in this next phase of growth as they bring their pioneering solutions to market and redefine digital dentistry.”
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