America Makes has officially unveiled a pivotal new initiative designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application, launching its 2026 Additive in Steel Competition to cultivate the next wave of talent in Additive Manufacturing (AM). This forward-thinking challenge calls upon university students to leverage the advanced capabilities of steel-based 3D printing to create functional tools with real-world utility. The competition is slated to culminate on April 15, 2026, in Boston, Massachusetts, serving as a cornerstone event during the organization’s spring Technical Review and Exchange (TRX). At its core, the contest aims to do more than just showcase technical skill; it seeks to immerse students in a comprehensive product development lifecycle, from initial concept and design to fabrication and validation. By focusing on steel, a material critical to countless industries, the challenge underscores the growing importance of metal AM in producing durable, high-performance components and pushes students to explore its full potential. This platform provides a unique opportunity for emerging engineers to gain hands-on experience and industry exposure.
Fostering Innovation Through Strategic Collaboration
The event’s structure is built upon a foundation of strategic partnership, continuing the highly successful collaboration between America Makes and SME. By co-locating the TRX, scheduled for April 14–16, with the renowned RAPID + TCT 2026 conference, the organizers have created a powerful nexus for the additive manufacturing community. This synergistic arrangement is intentionally designed to bring together a diverse array of stakeholders, including influential leaders from industry, pioneering researchers from academia, and key representatives from government agencies. The primary objective of this convergence is to foster a dynamic environment where knowledge can be shared, new ideas can be sparked, and partnerships can be forged. This collaborative atmosphere is crucial for accelerating the advancement and adoption of AM technologies across various sectors. The integration of these events aims to enhance value for all participants, providing unparalleled networking opportunities and a comprehensive view of the latest trends, breakthroughs, and challenges shaping the future of manufacturing.
A Launchpad for the Next Generation of Engineers
The competition was meticulously structured to serve as a launchpad for aspiring innovators, challenging them to push the boundaries of design and manufacturing. University teams were tasked with designing and fabricating a functional everyday carry (EDC) multi-tool, a project that required a blend of creativity, engineering precision, and practical problem-solving. A distinctive component of the challenge was the requirement for teams to engage directly with first responders, military personnel, and other service professionals. This direct feedback loop was intended to ensure that the final designs addressed genuine operational needs and real-world constraints. As described by Ben DiMarco, Technology Transition Director at America Makes, the competition was envisioned to help students “build real-world skills, collaborate, and redefine what’s possible.” The established timeline required teams to submit their proposed plans by February 13, with the final deliverables—including the physical multi-tool, a detailed technical report, and a project video—due on April 1. To recognize excellence, the event planned to honor top performers with three awards and two honorable mentions for teams that successfully completed all phases of the project.
