Austria-based UpNano secures €7M to boost the development of high-performance 3D printing technology

Vienna-based UpNano, a company focused on the development, manufacturing, and commercialisation of high-resolution 3D printers, has secured €7M in a Series A round of funding.

The round was co-led by aws Gründungsfonds, a VC fund backed by the Republic of Austria, Novacapital, an Italian investment holding, and IGO Innovation, the start-up investment arm of IGO Industries. Existing investor ILUM Tec also joined as a co-investor.

Markus Jandrinitsch, MD at aws Gründungsfonds, says, “With our investment in UpNano, we are pleased to be part of one of Austria’s most innovative companies, which has already achieved considerable market success in the early stages of its existence.”

“UpNano makes a fantastic contribution to the rapid development of high technology from university research to market maturity and global distribution.”

Capital utilisation

UpNano plans to use the funds to enhance its position in the global 2-photon polymerisation (2PP) 3D printing market, where it is recognised as a key manufacturer of high-performance 2PP 3D printers. 

The investment will also assist UpNano in launching its next-generation 2PP 3D printers and expanding the international market reach of its existing NanoOne series.

Bernhard Küenburg, CEO of UpNano, says, “We are delighted that our existing technology, IP position and marketing strategy have been externally evaluated by experienced investors and that they agree on the great potential of our company.”

“The new investment of €7M as well as the extensive experience of our investors in supporting young and successful companies on their growth path are great assets for UpNano.”

High-resolution 3D-printing systems

UpNano specialises in the development, manufacturing, and sale of high-resolution 3D printers. Its systems use 2-photon polymerisation technology, offering fast printing speeds and resolutions below 0.2 micrometres. 

The company provides hardware, software, and optimised printing materials for creating polymeric microparts and allows bioprinting in a natural cell environment. Its technology enables printing objects ranging from sub-micrometre to centimetre sizes, with heights up to 40 mm, while achieving high speed and precision.

2-photon polymerisation (2PP) 3D printing allows for precise creation of micro and nanoscale structures in detail. It can produce complex shapes using various materials, which could lead to advancements in areas like medicine, electronics, and light technology. 

As the technology improves, 2PP could change industries by enabling new uses in medical devices, tissue engineering, drug delivery, and high-performance electronic and optical devices. 

UpNano provides solutions that combine high resolution and tolerance, offering one of the “highest performing” series of 2PP 3D printers on the market. Their NanoOne family of high-definition 3D printers supports large-scale production of innovative designs.

The company is showcasing its printers, materials, and services at the µTAS event in Montreal, Canada, from October 13 to 17. It will also launch its latest 2PP 3D printing innovation at formnext in Frankfurt, Germany, from November 19 to 22, 2024.

Brief about the investors

Austria-based IGO Innovation serves as the investment branch of IGO Industries. This group of technology companies operates internationally and specialises in technical building equipment and industrial plant construction.

Speaking about the investment in UpNano, Iris Ortner, CEO of IGO Innovation, says, “UpNano achieved technology leadership in the high-precision 3D printing market very early on and has managed to defend this position ever since.”

“Now, at a stage where industry is beginning to integrate this powerful technology into their production processes, we believe it is the right time to provide UpNano with a solid financial position for further market penetration and the innovative R&D that has become a hallmark of the company.”

NovaCapital, an Italian holding company controlled by Merloni Holding, invests in B2B companies in Italy, Europe, and the US. It focuses on energy transition, new materials, circular economy, industrial automation, and B2B SaaS while emphasising strong relationships with entrepreneurs and business growth.

Carlo Germano Ravina, MD of NovaCapital, adds, “Our portfolio consists of well over 30 technology companies that we support with money and expertise. We are entrepreneurs and managers with extensive experience and connections in technology-driven industries.”

“With this mindset, we believe that UpNano can be the turning point of the 2PP 3D printing sector, being able to finally bridge the gap towards industrial, series production.”

The aws Gründungsfonds is an Austrian VC fund with a volume of about €70M. It supports startups from their initial growth phase through Series A and B financing rounds to their exit. Since 2013, it has invested over €500M in more than 45 companies.