2024-08-20 10:24:07
- Krakow Technology Park has recognised its role in demonstrating the potential of 3D printing to businesses in southern Poland
- KTP is actively involved in the work packages for printed electronics and molds for plastics processing
- By participating in the 3DOP project, we aim to create a virtual space where regional companies can be exposed to cutting-edge technologies and innovations related to Additive Manufacturing from the rest of Europe
Kraków Technology Park (KTP) is a central hub for innovation, technology and entrepreneurship in Lesser Poland, Poland. KTP uses its core competencies to support business development, assist technology startups in bringing their solutions to market, and help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) digitize and implement new technologies. Among the many promising technologies, 3D printing stands out.
Network Organization
Kraków is Poland’s second largest city with nearly 760,000 inhabitants and its thriving IT sector has attracted many foreign investors. The city also has several R&D centers for technological and product innovation. KTP plays a promotional and networking role. “We work with companies from the Polish region of Mało and support them with technological implementation to accelerate their development,” says Monika Machowska, deputy director of KTP, outlining one of the activities. Some of these companies are located within the KTP’s premises.
For knowledge input, KTP works closely with regional partners specializing in artificial intelligence, robotics, VR, AR, cybersecurity, 5G and 3D printing. By leveraging their expertise, KTP can identify knowledge and innovations and connect them to industry needs. KTP will not invest in its own testing labs, but will use the state-of-the-art infrastructure provided by its partners. “It is smarter to use their facilities”, says Monika Machowska.
Recently, KTP became an EU Digital Innovation Hub, opening up new opportunities to assess digital solutions of SMEs according to their maturity and support their transformation into digital businesses.
Connecting startups with SMEs
At the same time, the Krakow Science and Technology Park is also a breeding ground for startups. Through incubator and accelerator programs and financing opportunities, KTP supports startups at different stages of development. Their solutions are brought to the market through programs such as Living Lab. The Living Lab operated by KTP is not a physical laboratory, but a way to test innovations and products in a real environment with real customers. Startups are matched with industrial companies from across the region, especially small and medium-sized enterprises that seek solutions developed by these startups. Overall, KTP supports about 350 companies in the region. In addition, KTP manages a Polish Investment Zone (formerly known as a Special Economic Zone) with about 200 active companies. Investing in the zone is eligible for special government subsidies, which is an attractive option for international companies.
Interest in 3D printing grows in southern Poland
Between 2010 and 2012, universities in southern Poland launched various initiatives related to additive manufacturing. Some of these start-ups eventually entered the market through crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter. Monika Machowska: “Although the market for additive manufacturing was growing, many SMEs were not aware of the potential of 3D printing at the time. The Krakow Science and Technology Park saw its role in demonstrating this potential. That’s why we got involved in 3D printing.”
KTP made its first foray into European AM projects and became the only Polish region to participate in the EU Pioneer Program. Since then, the acceptance of 3D printing in the region’s business community has continued to grow. Last year, KTP organized a conference on the 3D printing industry, which attracted more than 50 companies. Monika Machowska explains that many companies, especially those in the automotive industry, are now using 3D printing. “They recognize both the economic benefits and the ability to respond quickly to and test technical issues. In addition, they see the potential of additive manufacturing to create new value chains.”
Sustainability and climate neutrality have recently played an increasingly important role in the choice to adopt 3D printing. A new mindset is emerging – one that sees additive manufacturing as a solution for conserving resources and achieving climate-neutral production.
Closer to AM knowledge sources
For the Krakow Technology Park, joining the 3DOP project (3D Printing Optimized Production) was a logical step. KTP was invited by the Slovenian organization Tecos, with whom they had previously collaborated, and by participating in 3DOP, KTP gained access to a large community and the opportunity to find effective solutions for its company.
KTP is actively involved in work packages for printed electronics and molds for plastic processing. There are quite a few companies in the region that are active in developing and producing medical devices. For these companies, printed electronics and printed molds could be very interesting. The Krakow University of Technology is also developing knowledge in this area. Spin-offs from this knowledge area at the university could be supported by KTP. Monika Machowska: “By participating in the 3DOP project, we aim to create a virtual space that will allow regional companies to get in touch with cutting-edge technologies and innovations related to additive manufacturing from other parts of Europe.”
Printed Electronics Applications
As a concrete example of how knowledge from the 3DOP project can benefit the regional business community, a local startup is testing printed electronics in another work package. PHOTO4CHEM” says Monika Machowska. The company provides 3D printing equipment and device solutions aimed at automation through the implementation of 3D printing in production, prototyping and R&D phases. KTP supports them through its acceleration program and pairs them with industrial players in the region to support their pilot implementation. Currently, their main products are photopolymer resins for digital dentistry as well as engineering and construction applications. The startup participated in WP3 and is applying printed electronics, which is the first achievement in this work package.
Strengthening your competitive position through 3D printing
“We ultimately want more companies to realize that 3D printing can improve their competitive position. That’s why we decided to include 3D printing as one of the nine areas of expertise at the Digital Innovation Center”, says Monika Machowska. While KTP (Kraków Technology Park) is involved in the Printed Electronics work package of the 3DOP project, it is also closely following the development of other work packages. “We also see great potential in the Metal Printing work package”, says KTP Deputy Director. The work package for the sustainable implementation of AM technologies within the 3DOP remains the area of greatest interest for KTP.
The goal is to spread knowledge about all relevant projects within the industry in the region. In the final part of the 3DOP project, which focuses on AM implementation, Monika Machowska hopes to involve more Polish companies. “Our job is to connect the dots, and it is crucial to gain knowledge from various partners. 3DOP provides us with this avenue,” concludes Monika Machowska.
1724156018
#Connecting #dots #printing
