3D Printing Fused Granulate Fabrication (FGF) Engineering Challenge

Mitsubishi Chemical Group (MCG) Growth Garage, in collaboration with their partners, is excited to announce the 3D Printing Fused Granulate Fabrication (FGF) Engineering Challenge. This open innovation program invites startups, scaleups, and innovative companies to explore the possibilities of 3D Printing with granulates (pellets).  

If you're looking to explore this emerging technology for your part, product, or application, or want to combine it with composites through hybrid manufacturing technologies, the 3D Printing FGF Engineering Challenge presents a great opportunity. 

WHAT IS 3D Printing FGF?

Fused Granulate Fabrication is an extrusion-based additive manufacturing method that utilizes granular materials (pellets), typically plastics or composites, as the primary feedstock for printing. It uses a heated nozzle to melt and extrude the granules layer by layer, enabling the creation of intricate and customized objects. What sets FGF apart from other 3D printing methods is its versatility, as it can effectively utilize a wide range of commercially available plastic or composite granulates. This feature makes FGF a cost-effective and easily scalable option with numerous applications. 

FGF is an emerging technology which stands out with its precise, high-speed plastics extrusion capability compared to fused filament fabrication (FFF). FGF's distinguishing feature lies in its versatility, as it accommodates a wide range of materials. However, this flexibility demands a more intricate printing process, necessitating custom process settings for different materials. This means that material processability requires a deeper technical understanding compared to Fused Filament Fabrication. 

Valued at 25,000 USD

The Challenge Winner Support is a comprehensive package designed to empower the overall winner of our challenge with valuable resources and assistance worth $25,000. We are committed to nurturing and advancing the promising idea or project of the winning participant, and this support includes a wide array of benefits:

1. Support in Material/Technology Selection: We understand the critical role that materials and technologies play in the success of any project. Our support will encompass guidance in choosing the right materials and technologies that align with your project's goals and requirements.

2. Assessment and Evaluation of Value Proposition and Business Model: Our experts will closely assess and evaluate your project's value proposition and business model. This in-depth analysis will provide you with valuable insights and recommendations for enhancing your project's market viability and potential for success.

3. Access to a Wide Selection of (Customizable) Materials for 3D Printing: You will have access to a diverse range of materials for 3D printing, which you can customize to suit the specific needs of your project. This flexibility ensures that you can experiment and fine-tune your designs effectively.

4. Support in Design for Manufacturing: The transition from design to manufacturing is a crucial phase. We will provide guidance and support to optimize your designs for efficient and cost-effective manufacturing processes, ensuring that your project can be brought to market more efficiently.

5. Global Exposure in Various Media: As the Challenge Winner, your project will gain substantial global exposure through various media channels. This exposure will help create brand awareness, attract potential collaborators, and generate interest.

6. Access to Our Wide Partner Network: Our extensive partner network is a valuable resource for forging strategic collaborations. You will be connected to relevant partners who can further support your project's growth.

7. Exposure to Senior Management in Mitsubishi Chemical Group and the Corporate Venture Group: You will have the unique opportunity to engage with senior executives within Mitsubishi Chemical Group and the Corporate Venture Group. Their insights and experience can provide invaluable mentorship and guidance.

8. Exposure to Potential Customers: We will facilitate introductions to potential customers who have an interest in your project, helping you to establish meaningful business relationships and expand your market reach.

9. Access to Experts in Our Community and Jury: Our community of experts and the jury members possess a wealth of knowledge and experience. You will have access to their expertise, allowing you to seek advice and solutions to the challenges you encounter during the development and scaling of your project.

In summary, the Challenge Winner Support is a comprehensive package that goes beyond financial rewards. It is a commitment to nurture and propel your project to new heights, providing you with the resources, mentorship, and connections needed to make your innovation a resounding success. We look forward to partnering with you on this exciting journey.

1. Create an account

Before starting the submission process, you need to create an account. On top of the page you find the "Register" tab on the right side of the top menu. By clicking on the "Register" tab you're redirected to the registration page where required information includes :

• First name
• Last name
• Email address
• Password (create a strong, unique password)

Once the registration is completed, you're account is created and ready to login on the platform.

Note: You only need to register once to create a personal account. With this personal account you can join the different programs at any time.

2. Log in to your personal account

Once your account created, click on the "login" tab on the right top side of the page.

Enter email and password to access your created account. Your browser will store your information when you activate the "remember me" tick box.

Forgot password : whenever you forgot your password, click on the "forgot password" link and an email will be send  to the submitted address with the new password registration link. 

3. Complete your profile.

Once you logged into the system you will be redirected to your personal space. The menu on top of the page shows a "profile" section and an "account overview" section.

Profile section: when you choose to join one of our programs, you need to provide more information and details. This information is mandatory as it will support your submission during the different stages of the program. 

Read our Privacy Notice to see how we handle this information, all is safe with us.

Account overview section: Your submission is stored in the account overview section. You have an overview of the actif submission but also the past submission when you participated in previous programs.

Click on the actif submission to edit the information. You can always remove, add, change data, visuals, documents from your specific program.

4. Starting your application

That's it! You've successfully created an account on the Growth Garage platform. You can now apply for the Challenge by using the "Apply "button which gives immediate access to the participant application form. Enter all required information but don't share confidential data or documents on the platform as we don't have a confidentiality agreement signed.

Be mindful of the Challenge Judging Criteria and the Rules of Engagement.These are important guidelines indicating what the jury team will use as reference during the selection process.

Click on the submission button once you answered each question. You can at any moment access your submission as long as the Challenge program is open. You can update your information add documents, images, video's in a later stage. 

Jury members advice: "As each idea is totally new, it's important to receive accurate information based on the predefined criteria and guidelines to evaluate a submission. Each question should be answered with enough details to provide a good understanding of the project what helps the objective evaluation and ranking.