India is stepping up efforts to strengthen its Additive Manufacturing (AM) ecosystem, with more than 1.54 lakh people trained, 56 start-ups supported and 65 India-specific technologies developed under the National Strategy for Additive Manufacturing (NSAM).
Additive Manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, uses digital designs to manufacture physical objects through the layer-by-layer deposition of materials. The technology brings together computing, electronics, design software and materials science and is increasingly being adopted across sectors such as aerospace, defence, healthcare, electronics and construction.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched NSAM in February 2022 as India’s policy framework for developing domestic capabilities in 3D printing and additive manufacturing. Aligned with the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, the strategy seeks to strengthen collaboration among the Centre, states, industry and academia.
The strategy aims to capture 5 per cent of the global additive manufacturing market and contribute nearly USD 1 billion to India’s GDP. It also envisages developing 50 India-specific AM technologies, nurturing 100 start-ups, creating 500 new products, training one lakh skilled workers and building capabilities across 10 manufacturing sectors.
More than four years after its launch, over 1.54 lakh people have been trained in AM-related skills, surpassing the initial skilling target. Fifty-six start-ups have been supported, while national centres have helped develop 65 India-specific technologies covering materials, machines, Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) and printed products.
These capabilities are being applied across aerospace, medical devices, electronics, energy, food processing and photonics.
In the space sector, IIT Madras-incubated start-up Agnikul Cosmos launched Agnibaan SOrTeD in May 2024, featuring a single-piece, additively manufactured semi-cryogenic rocket engine. The project demonstrated the potential of AM to enable complex engine designs and accelerate indigenous development of space hardware.
The technology is also being adopted in defence. The Indian Army inaugurated its first AM-printed two-storey dwelling unit in Ahmedabad, built in 12 weeks, and has subsequently extended the technology to precast defences in operational areas such as Ladakh. NSAM is also supporting the three armed forces in establishing workshop-level facilities for maintenance, repair and overhaul applications.
In healthcare, MeitY has supported AM-based medical device manufacturing, including start-ups working on implants. The Technology Development Board is supporting the development of 3D-printed bone grafts using indigenous bioceramic materials, allowing products to be customised according to patients’ anatomy and potentially reducing dependence on imports.
In electronics, NSAM-supported initiatives have demonstrated printed components including batteries, antennas, varistors and capacitors. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has also demonstrated Photonic Integrated Circuit blocks using additive manufacturing.
The construction sector is exploring 3D printing for faster and more sustainable building methods. The Kelvin 6K Pro, an on-site 3D construction printer, has demonstrated the ability to construct 2,500-square-foot homes in less than 30 days using low-carbon geopolymer material. Early applications indicate the technology could reduce material and logistics costs by 30 per cent and emissions by 90 per cent compared with cement-based construction.
To support research, skilling and technology access, the government has established seven specialised Development and Deployment Centres.
The government is also promoting exposure to 3D printing at the school level through Atal Tinkering Labs. Each lab receives a grant of Rs 20 lakh to establish innovation spaces of 1,200-1,500 square feet equipped with Do-it-Yourself kits, including 3D printers, robotics and Internet of Things technologies, providing students from Classes VI to XII with hands-on experience.
The government is now conceptualising NSAM 2.0 to accelerate the growth of India’s additive manufacturing market. The proposed next phase will focus on Intellectual Property Rights generation, digital integration, commercialisation of globally competitive technologies and improving the affordability of AM machines and materials through clusters.
NSAM 2.0 also proposes expanding the AM start-up ecosystem, supporting defence applications and promoting Sustainable Development Goal-driven pilot programmes. International cooperation through standards, joint research and technology partnerships is also expected to be strengthened.
Meanwhile, the second National Additive Manufacturing Symposium (NAMS) was held in New Delhi on March 13, 2026. The event brought together policymakers, scientists, industry representatives, start-ups and academia, with discussions focusing on NSAM 2.0, defence adoption, industry requirements and MeitY-supported research and development centres.
India will also showcase emerging technologies, including Additive Manufacturing, at the second Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC-2026), scheduled to be held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from October 27 to 29. The conclave, organised by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), will cover 12 thematic areas under the theme “Creative Minds, Catalyzing Science, Empowering Technologies”.
The global AM machines market is projected to reach USD 149 billion by 2035, while the AM-electronics supply chain is expected to expand from USD 18 billion to USD 112 billion, offering India an opportunity to develop competitive manufacturing capabilities across polymers, metals, composites, ceramics and semiconductor-grade materials.
With applications expanding from research laboratories to factories, defence establishments and hospitals, additive manufacturing is emerging as a key component of India’s push towards indigenous manufacturing, technological self-reliance and the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
-PIB
