AMUK and Engineers Without Borders UK launch AMplify Impact Challenge

Additive Manufacturing UK (AMUK) is partnering with Engineers Without Borders UK to launch the AMplify Impact Challenge. This new 3D design competition invites UK-based university students to apply additive manufacturing (AM) to solve real-world problems. Running from late January to early April 2026, the challenge brings together globally responsible design principles and practical AM applications to help upskill the next generation of engineers.

Students will be tasked with responding to a design brief exploring how AM can support more sustainable, resilient and efficient solutions across real-world contexts, from reducing material waste and shortening supply chains to improving repairability, customisation or circularity.

Throughout the competition, participants will work closely with mentors and judges from industry, developing physical or digital prototypes that demonstrate how AM can unlock innovative, responsible and commercially viable outcomes.

Additive and 3D printing technologies are transforming the way products are designed and manufactured, enabling the creation of components with complex geometries and intricate features that traditional methods cannot achieve. These technologies open new possibilities for manufacturers, driving efficiency, creativity and competitiveness across industries.

Additive Manufacturing UK (AMUK) is the only UK trade association dedicated to the additive manufacturing sector, existing to establish the UK as a world leader in the development and adoption of additive and 3D printing technologies. It’s positioned to deliver services to benefit and drive forward the AM and 3D printing community in the UK.

Joshua Dugdale, Head of AMUK, says: “Additive manufacturing is disrupting traditional manufacturing methods with the ability to produce parts and products quickly and affordably. The AM process not only reduces material waste but also creates opportunities to manufacture at the point of need, thus removing costly and complex logistics. This, in turn, enhances efficiency and potentially reduces the environmental impact of manufacturing, making the parts and products more sustainable.”

Engineers Without Borders UK empowers individuals, teams and organisations with the skills and mindsets needed to drive the urgent transition towards globally responsible approaches, which requires a complete reimagining of engineering education and industry practices.

John Kraus, CEO at Engineers Without Borders UK, says: “We’re on a mission to put global responsibility at the heart of engineering. Additive manufacturing can play a huge role in achieving that, and we look forward to seeing students’ ideas to make this a reality.”

Additive manufacturing has already had a significant impact on high-value manufacturing sectors, such as aerospace, space, automotive (including motorsport), energy generation equipment, defence, rail, marine, consumer goods (sport, leisure, jewellery), general industrial products, health, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment.

The AMplify Impact Challenge will give students first-hand experience of these technologies and their potential to address real needs across society and industry.

The competition has already attracted support from leading organisations, including headline sponsor, the Advanced Machinery and Productivity Institute (AMPI), which specialises in applying advanced machinery solutions to UK industry. Other sponsors include GKN Aerospace, Alexander Daniels Global, 3D 360 and Stratasys.

Dan Brooks, Institute Director at AMPI, says: “We’re delighted to be headline sponsors of the AMplify Impact Challenge. AMPI’s core mission is to stimulate growth of the UK’s machinery manufacturing sector, and we’re committed to helping develop the skills and expertise required to create the next generation of innovative manufacturing technologies. Many of these students are the engineers of the future, so supporting their development is vital.”

Finalists, selected by the judging panel, will have a fantastic opportunity to develop their working prototypes with support from leading industry experts, gaining valuable exposure, feedback and connections along the way. They will be invited to present their innovations at the Grand Final at the UK’s pre-eminent engineering and manufacturing show, MACH 2026, at the NEC in Birmingham on Friday 24 April.