Up to $300,000: Bambu Lab launches global maker support program

Bambu Lab is expanding its involvement in the maker scene and launching a global funding program called “Let’s Make It Fund.” The aim is to support projects that have previously failed due to a lack of resources. According to the company, funding for each project can generally amount to up to US$300,000, equivalent to around €285,000.

The target group is individuals or teams who want to go beyond pure hobby crafting and implement technically complex or financially costly concepts. The program is not bound by fixed submission deadlines: proposals can be submitted at any time. Between two and five projects are to be selected per quarter.

To apply, Bambu Lab requires a detailed description of the idea and a realistic implementation plan. The program lists the building blocks as including a clearly formulated project idea, an implementation plan, a preview of what the result should look like, and as concrete a list as possible of the resources required – from budget and printers to experts. Demos or regular interim results are considered helpful. Purely theoretical ideas are not enough; the feasibility must be apparent.

In terms of content, Bambu Lab is looking for projects that can be classified as either “Exceptional” or “Enlightening,” but in any case must be “Executable.” “Exceptional” stands for ambitious projects that test technical limits. “Enlightening” refers to projects that make a positive contribution or are of specific benefit to a group. Bambu Lab cites uniqueness, positive contribution, and feasibility as its core criteria.

Participation is not contingent on already owning a Bambu Lab 3D printer; according to the manufacturer, the number of available devices is also irrelevant. In addition to funding, Bambu Lab offers additional support, including technical assistance, promotion, and supply chain support. In return, there is a transparency requirement: recipients of funding must document their progress and share milestones publicly. The fund thus also serves as a structured channel through which external ideas and implementation approaches reach the manufacturer.